The National Badminton Triple Crown ended with a thrilling climax at the 2024 French Badminton Open in Paris yesterday morning. Chinese players Shi Yuqi, Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan, and Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping all secured championship titles in the men’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles categories, respectively. This year’s French Open also served as an Olympic test event for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, set to take place from July 27th to August 5th.
The Chinese team’s stellar performance at the French Open has left them optimistic about their chances at the Olympics. The competition venue, La Chapelle Porte Arena, will host the badminton events during the games. While the newly built venue boasts a capacity of nearly 7,000 spectators, concerns have been raised about security in the surrounding area, which has seen an increase in homelessness in recent years.
Despite facing challenges such as lost luggage and security issues at the official hotel, the Chinese team remained focused on using the French Open as an opportunity to adapt to the Olympic competition venue. Players like Chen Yufei, who gained valuable insights into the different venues and playing conditions, are determined to make a mark in the upcoming games.
Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan’s remarkable comeback in the women’s doubles final, along with Shi Yuqi’s dominant performance in the men’s singles final, has boosted the team’s morale. With the Olympics just around the corner, the Chinese players are confident that they can replicate their success at the French Open on the world‘s biggest stage in July.