PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian camp may need to tread carefully ahead of the Thomas Cup in April in Horsens as a new contender has emerged, with France making history by clinching the European title for the first time.
France are now regarded as Europe’s new badminton powerhouse after toppling nine-time winners Denmark 3-2 in the final of the European Team Championships in Istanbul on Sunday.
Denmark made a strong start when Anders Antonsen defeated Christo Popov 21-12, 15-21, 21-16.
Alex Lanier (pic) levelled the tie for France with a 21-16, 21-16 win over Rasmus Gemke, before Toma Junior Popov put his team ahead by overcoming Ditlev Holm 20-22, 21-15, 21-15.
The tie grew more intense when former world No. 1 men’s doubles pair Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen beat Eloi Adam and Leo Rossi 21-18, 21-14.
France eventually sealed victory when Thom Gicquel, who formed a scratch partnership with Toma Junior Popov, defeated Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard 21-19, 21-12.
More significantly, the triumph made amends for France’s heartbreak in the previous two editions, when they fell to Denmark in the final last year and in 2016.
“Unbelievable. I’m really about to cry. I think the team were dreaming for that, France were dreaming for that,” said Popov.
“When we stepped on the court we told we wanted to give it to France and we just fought like hell. I’m really happy that it paid off today because many times we lost in the final.”
Added Gicquel: “It’s finally gold. I think we dreamed it all our life with Tommy and the rest of the team.
“We have seen Denmark with the gold too many times so we are really, really happy to bring this home.”
Denmark’s fortunes in the women’s team event were no better as Bulgaria made history by capturing the title for the first time after beating them 3-1 in the final.
Kaloyana Nalbantova and the Stoeva sisters, Gabriela and Stefani, rose to the occasion for Bulgaria, with Stefani playing a pivotal role by competing in both the women’s singles and doubles.
With the win, France have qualified for the Thomas Cup in April alongside England, Sweden and Germany.
Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkiye and France have secured their spots in the Uber Cup, while Denmark have already qualified for both tournaments as hosts.
