Denmark successfully defended their title at the European Mixed Team Championships, narrowly defeating France in an intense final match. The Danish team prevailed with a score of 3-2, thanks to Viktor Axelsen’s impressive comeback from match point down.
In the opening match, Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue gave France an early lead by defeating Mathias Christiansen and Amalie Magelund. The French left-hander, Christo Popov, nearly extended their advantage by pushing world No.1 Axelsen to the brink. After having match point at 20-19 in the second game, Axelsen rallied and forced a decider, eventually winning 15-21 22-20 21-14.
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Axelsen commented on the challenging match saying, “It was a tough game. I didn’t perform at my best today, both physically and mentally. But I’m pleased that I managed to pull myself together and secure the victory.”
Line Christophersen added to Denmark’s score with a swift victory over Qi Xuefei. However, Gicquel and Toma Junior Popov brought the French back into contention by defeating Kim Astrup and Frederik Sogaard in a tight encounter.
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With the final match finely poised, Delphine Delrue and Margot Lambert took the opening game against Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen. Yet, the experienced Danish pair refused to yield and turned the match around with a hard-fought 17-21 21-15 21-14 win, securing Denmark’s 19th overall title and fifth consecutive one.
Head coach Kenneth Jonassen praised Fruergaard and Thygesen’s resilience, stating, “They have truly shown their best side this week and can be immensely proud of their performance, not just today but throughout the tournament. They have made great strides.”
Semifinals: France Overcome Germany
In the semifinals, France faced their group-mates Germany for the second time. France had previously recorded a dominant 5-0 victory against Germany in the group stage. However, this time, the Germans put up a stronger fight. Despite Yvonne Li’s valiant effort in the women’s singles, losing to Qi Xuefei, Toma Junior Popov ensured a 2-0 lead for France by defeating Fabian Roth.
Linda Efler and Isabel Lohau sparked hope for Germany by winning their match against Margot Lambert and Anne Tran. However, Christo and Toma Junior Popov sealed the victory for France by overcoming Marvin Seidel and Jan Colin Volker.
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Toma Junior Popov expressed his satisfaction with his performance, saying, “My main goal was to win my matches as quickly as possible, considering I might have to play twice. I’m delighted with how things turned out, and I’m enjoying playing in front of our home crowd.”
Group Stage: Denmark and France Dominate
Denmark, positioned in Group A alongside England, Scotland, and Ukraine, comfortably topped their group, only losing to Scotland and England. Similarly, France dominated Group B, achieving victories of 4-1 against the Netherlands and Bulgaria, as well as a convincing 5-0 win against Germany. Bulgaria fought hard but narrowly fell short in their matches against Germany and the Netherlands, both ending with a score of 3-2. Germany secured second place in the group and earned a spot in the semifinals with a 4-1 victory over the Netherlands.
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FAQs
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What is the BWF Sudirman Cup?
The BWF Sudirman Cup is a prestigious international badminton championship held every two years. It features mixed team competition, with teams representing their countries. -
How many times has Denmark won the European Mixed Team Championships?
Denmark has won the European Mixed Team Championships a total of 19 times, including their recent victory in this edition. -
Who is Viktor Axelsen?
Viktor Axelsen is a Danish badminton player who is currently ranked world No.1 in men’s singles. He has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Olympic bronze medal. -
Who is Christo Popov?
Christo Popov is a talented French badminton player known for his left-handed style of play. He has displayed great potential and has been a key player in the French team’s success.
Conclusion
Denmark’s triumph at the European Mixed Team Championships showcased their strength and determination in defending their title. France put up an admirable fight, making it a thrilling final match. Both teams displayed exceptional skill and sportsmanship, creating an unforgettable competition. The BWF Sudirman Cup continues to be a highlight in the badminton calendar, celebrating the spirit of team competition and the talent of the world’s best badminton players.
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