Thomas Cup: New History Could Be Written In Horsens - Rashid

By Amiril Muttaqien Meketar

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3, has the potential to create new history in world badminton.

National badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek said two teams, France and Taiwan, could emerge as dark horses with the ingredients to spring surprises at the prestigious world team championships, to be held at Forum Horsens.

Rashid, who was part of Malaysia’s 1992 Thomas Cup-winning squad, said the strength of France’s men’s singles camp gives them an edge and poses a threat to other contenders, including Malaysia.

“France have a strong chance as an underdog, and other teams need to be cautious when facing them. They have no pressure and no history of winning the Thomas Cup.

“Based on their current form, their singles players are strong and at times their doubles can also produce surprises,” he told Bernama.

France gained valuable momentum ahead of the 2026 Thomas Cup after a sensational triumph in the European Men's Team Championships, winning the title for the first time and ending Denmark’s nine-edition dominance with a 3-2 victory in the final held in Turkiye in February.

The success also inspired their key player and world number four Christo Popov to win the men’s singles title at the 2026 European Championships, in addition to finishing runner-up in the men’s doubles with his brother Toma Junior Popov.

Not only that, Christo stunned home favourite and world number one Shi Yu Qi 21-19, 21-9 to claim the 2025 World Tour Finals title in Hangzhou, China, last December.

France can also rely on world number 10 Alex Lanier, who has clinched a title this season at the 2026 Orleans Masters and was crowned European champion last year.

Other players in the squad include Enogat Roy, Eloi Adam, Leo Rossi, Mael Cattoen, Lucas Renoir and William Villeger.

France have been drawn in Group D alongside 14-time champions Indonesia, Thailand and Algeria.

Commenting on Taiwan, Rashid described their balanced strength in both men’s singles and doubles as their main asset.

“Taiwan are also strong. Their three singles players are solid and their two doubles pairs can surprise opponents at any time,” he said.

Taiwan, who made history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time in the previous edition in Chengdu, China, will rely on 2026 All England men’s singles champion and world number eight Lin Chun-Yi, as well as veteran world number six Chou Tien Chen, Chi Yu Jen (21st) and Chia Hao Lee (36th).

In the men’s doubles, they will field two-time Olympic gold medallist Wang Chi-Lin, who is now partnered with Chiu Hsiang Chieh, as well as Lee Jhe-Huei-Yang Po-Hsuan (14th) and Liu Kuang Heng-Yang Po Huan (23rd).

Taiwan are placed in Group C with hosts Denmark, South Korea and Sweden.

Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

-- BERNAMA