France showed their status as rising powers as they overcame three-time Suhandinata Cup champions Korea in the battle for positions 9-16 at the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2024.
Having narrowly missed qualifying for the quarterfinals, France were impressive all the way against Korea, winning all their 10 matches. Arthur Tatranov (men’s singles), Malya Hoareau (women’s singles), Tom Lalot Trescarte/Thibault Gardon (men’s doubles), Elsa Jacob/Camille Pognante (women’s doubles) and Trescarte/Jacob (mixed doubles) were clinical in taking France to victory at 110-93.
“I think it’s the first time France beat Korea, so it’s a historic moment. All our players did their job, so we’re very happy. I’m happy with my two matches, it’s good for the future,” said Hoareau. “We thought we could win the quarterfinals, it was a hard loss (against Chinese Taipei). We could keep the motivation for today’s tie. After yesterday’s loss, we wanted to move on and win and be proud of ourselves.”
Women’s singles player Malya Hoareau
Meanwhile, at the top of the draw, powerhouses China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan took their spots in the semifinals.
China were most impressive, as they routed Chinese Taipei 110-74. In the semifinals the hosts take on Malaysia, who were never threatened by Denmark as they closed it out 110-85.
Japan however were in a spot of bother against a combative USA, who had beaten Thailand in their group. USA were always within sight of an upset, as they took the tie deep. Eventually, it was Niina Matsuta in the second women’s singles who brought them to a position of comfort (99-83) in the penultimate match by overcoming Ella Lin, before the men’s doubles pair of Kenta Matsukawa/Yuto Nakashizu powered past Weslie Chen/Kai Chong, 110-88.
In the semifinals, Japan face Indonesia, who were dominant over India, 110-92.
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