Unseeded in both events, France’s SU5 Meril Loquette secured a place today in both the SU5 men’s doubles semi-final and the SL3-SU5 mixed doubles semi, both played tomorrow in Tokyo.

Three good reasons make this special here in Japan this week; Loquette has never made it to a mixed doubles semi-final before. He has never been in two semi-finals of an International Open tournament before. And he is the only European to achieve that feat this week without being seeded in either draw.

The mixed doubles quarter-final with relatively new face Caroline Bergeron was against their French teammates Hugo Saumier and Veronique Braud. A tense and exciting opening game came to a close at 23-21. The second game was slightly more comfortable for Loquette and Bergeron who took control and secured a 21-15 win. This sets up a semi-final versus Japan’s Toshiaki Suenaga and Akiko Sugino tomorrow.

“It’s the first time we have beaten Veronique and Hugo and my first time through to a mixed doubles semi-final, so I’m very happy! Varying the speed of my game was key for us today, mixing slow and fast pace. Caroline played with great technique and we had a great spirit between us. I really enjoyed the match and enjoy playing with her too.

We lost to the Japanese pair in our group, so we know what to expect. But it is a new day, a new match! I’m excited.”

Read : Gilmour secures upset as Axelsen is toppled

Aiming for gold in men's doubles

The men’s doubles could not have gone better for Meril and partner Lucas Mazur so far this week. Despatching Japan’s number 2 seeds Taiyo Imai and Hironobu Kawabata, as well as Bobby Griffin (ENG) and Rishav Sharma (CAN) in straight games along the way. 

“Lucas is a strong partner for men’s doubles. His height helps us a lot, despite him being SL4. It’s possible for us to win this tournament this week.

I need to train more to compete in singles at this level. But I have a new training schedule that we have just begun and hopefully by the Europeans in a month I can be ready.

My objective is to achieve 3 medals at the Europeans. A gold in men’s doubles is the aim. I want to make the final in singles and to pick up a medal in mixed as well would be nice!”

For a full list of the Japan Para-Badminton International draws and results this week click here