HORSENS (Denmark), May 3 — France have moved within touching distance of a historic Thomas Cup triumph after sweeping aside 2022 champions India 3-0 in today’s semi-finals.

Standing between them and glory are defending champions China, who shattered the home crowd’s hopes with a 3-0 triumph over Denmark.

France’s dominance was clear from the outset, with their main singles and world No. 4 Christo Popov producing a clinical display to outclass India’s rising shuttler and world No. 18, Ayush Shetty, 21-11, 21-9 in just 39 minutes.

World No. 10 Alex Lanier then tightened France’s grip on the tie, overcoming experienced campaigner Kidambi Srikanth 21-16, 21-18.

With history within reach, third singles Toma Junior Popov delivered the decisive blow, holding his nerve to see off H.S. Prannoy 21-19, 21-16 in 48 minutes and send France into their maiden final.

Speaking after the match, Christo said he was delighted with the team’s performance, praising his teammates for delivering a sharp and focused display.

“It’s a very long tournament, and mentally it’s really hard. So, we are going to push, and I think our team spirit is great and that’s going to push us tomorrow,” he said.

In the meantime, world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi won the first game for China as he outperformed world No. 3 and home favourite Anders Antonsen, 21-16, 21-5.

China’s top doubles Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang then made it 2-0 as they triumphed against Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen 21-18, 21-17, in 34 minutes.

World No. 7 Li Shi Feng wrapped up proceedings for China, battling past world No. 41 Magnus Johannesen 21-19, 18-21, 21-9 in 73 minutes to confirm their spot in the final.

Shi Feng admitted the strong home support added pressure but said he was relieved to stay composed in the deciding game and close out the match, adding that his team was ready to face France in the final.

The Thomas Cup Finals 2026, which kicked off on April 24, ends tomorrow. — Bernama

HORSENS (Denmark), May 2 — France has created history storming into its maiden Thomas Cup semi-finals, stunning 2014 champions Japan with a commanding 3-0 victory in the quarter-finals of the 2026 edition at Forum Horsens here.

First singles and world No. 4 Christo Popov gave France a fine start, outlasting world No. 9 Kodai Naraoka 21-17, 21-17 in a 67-minute battle.

Alex Lanier, the 2025 European champion, then put France firmly in control with a confident 21-15, 21-17 victory over world No. 19 Yushi Tanaka.

With history within reach, world No. 17 Toma Junior Popov rose to the occasion by edging world No. 20 Koki Watanabe 21-19, 23-21, securing at least a medal in the prestigious badminton team tournament.

The win continues France’s dream run in Horsens, having already stunned 14-time champions Indonesia 4-1 in Group D on Tuesday.

The result marked the Indonesians’ first-ever group stage exit in the Thomas Cup.

France, dubbed as the dark horse of the tournament, will now take on 2022 champions India in tomorrow’s semi-finals after they cruised past Taiwan 3-0 earlier today.

In the meantime, the hosts Denmark advanced to the last four following a 3-1 win over Thailand.

Denmark will face defending champions, China, who eliminated five-time champions Malaysia, 3-0, in the other last eight tie.

The Thomas Cup Finals 2026, which began on April 24, runs until Sunday. — Bernama