France continue fairytale run against India at Thomas Cup to book sensational final-ticket

The French team celebrate after the semifinal match against India at the BWF Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens
The French team celebrate after the semifinal match against India at the BWF Thomas Cup Finals in HorsensCredit: Wu Huiwo / Xinhua News / Profimedia

France on Saturday continued their fairytale run at the Thomas Cup tournament by beating India 3-0 in the semi-final to book their ticket for their first final in tournament history.

Christo Popov, Alex Lanier, and Toma Popov had no trouble disposing of Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, and HS Prannoy in straight sets, as an injury sustained in Friday's quarterfinal saw Lakshya Sen skip the semifinal.

France enforced their grip on the match straight from the start as their main singles and world No. 4 Christo Popov produced a clinical display to outclass India's world No. 18, Ayush Shetty, 21-11, 21-9 in just 39 minutes.

World No. 10 Alex Lanier then doubled the French lead, overcoming the experienced Kidambi Srikanth 21-16, 21-18.

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

After the match, Popov said he was delighted with the team's performance, praising his teammates in a very 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.

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