GICQUEL AND DELRUE’s adventure is over

As they have been doing the whole week, Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE made the crowd crazy even before they stepped a foot on the court. Their amazing tournament has made the public dream and they were once again favorites against an Indonesian pair a little far away in the world’s ranking. Yet, nothing’s given that far in the tournament and the opponents did not come to play as props. Fighting back on every Indonesian offenses and sometimes magical when attacking, Thom and Delphine perfectly used their strengths. Despite their tendency to let the opponents close the gap during their previous games, they did not shake to win this first set 21/14.  

Less in control during the second set, they let the pair KUSHARJANTO/KUSUMAWATI dictates the rhythm and could not be in front at the break. By not using enough depth, they were constantly beaten by KUSUMAWATI’s abilities at the net. They suffered a 10/1 in the middle of the set and never recovered. Third set came in with an electric atmosphere.  

Thom and Delphine’s lack of aggressivity allowed the opponents to take the lead. Their usual confidence seemed to have disappeared against Indonesians that played better and better after each point. Pierre de Coubertin stadium was getting tensed along with the French pair, shocked by this twisted scenario. At 16/9, they magically woke up. French phoenix were rising up from their ashes to win 5 points straight. Unfortunately, the miracle did not happen and the beautiful journey of the French pair took an end. Despite a great deception, we will see them again next year.  

Thom and Delphine talked about their feelings after the game: “We were hoping more for today. They changed little things and we could not adapt as quick as we should have. It is truly unfortunate. […] We leave with a lot of great memories; it was awesome to win in front of our public for the first time. We will keep a lot of positive from this tournament ».  

The Indonesian pair mentioned their strategy: “Our plan was to attack as much as possible and play in front. […] We are used to this kind of atmosphere because it is very loud in Indonesia too. Our objective was simply to stay focus and win as many points as possible.”