French teen Lanier takes Japan Open badminton title; home favourite Akane bags women's title

Gold medallist France's Alex Lanier is seen during the victory run after his victory against Taiwan's Chou Tien-chen in their men's singles final on day six of the Japan Open badminton tournament at Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo on Sunday, August 25, 2024. - AFP

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AFP): French teenager Alex Lanier captured his first major badminton trophy at the Japan Open on Sunday, beating experienced Taiwanese shuttler Chou Tien Chen 21-17, 22-20.

The 19-year-old stunned the world with his winning march through the men's singles, reaching the final after beating Chinese world number one Shi Yuqi and Paris Olympics bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia.