PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will need to tread carefully in Horsens, with France shaping up as a serious threat at the Thomas Cup starting Thursday.
It has been eight years since the French last advanced beyond the group stage, but their depth this time could see them go further — and even challenge for a podium finish.
Men’s singles shuttler Christo Popov believes the French team have what it takes to be a challenger in the knockout rounds.
France have only progressed past the group stage twice, in 2014 and 2018, with both runs ending in the quarter-finals against Japan.
But this year’s squad looks stronger, boasting world No. 4 Christo, No. 10 Alex Lanier and No. 17 Toma Junior Popov in singles.
In doubles, the Popov brothers combine as a rising pair and ranked No. 22, alongside Eloi Adam-Leo Rossi (41).
France are drawn in Group D with Indonesia, Thailand, and Algeria, and Christo believes they have the power to see themselves surviving the group stage.
"I believe we have a really good group of boys," said the 24-year-old Christo to the Badminton World Federation.
"We definitely have our chances, and now we have the weapons and manpower to not just play the group stage, but contest the medals at the Thomas Cup.
"I’m really looking forward to first playing the group stage, and then qualifying for the knockout stages."
France already sent a strong warning earlier this year by making history – ending Denmark’s dominance to win the European team title in February.
