The Youth Olympic Games was always going to be tough for European players to get far and that proved due to there not being many qualified from the continent.

Arnaud Merkle from France was the player flying the European flag for the majority of the Games, reaching the bronze medal playoff.

Back on his game today, despite the defeat.

Merkle was eventually pushed over by his Japanese opponent Kodai Naraoka after three thrilling games.

The first went to the number two seed with Merkle not able to stop the force coming towards him and the Japanese seventeen-year-old took the game 21-17.

The second was one to watch, and it definitely showed that Merkle, despite the defeat yesterday, didn’t give up and won it 24-26.

The third was perhaps too much for the Frenchman and fatigue perhaps showed as he was beaten 22-20.

A good tournament

Merkle speaking to Badminton Europe, admitted that he was playing at his best level before dropping off in the semi-final.

 The Frenchman does believe that he was back on his game today despite falling in a three-game thriller!

Merkle has also sent a strong message that he is not finished and will be back to try and beat anyone who faces him!

I was very good in the quarter-final, very high quality in my game I then I lost my mind in the semi-final which cost me.

Today I was back, I was strong and it was a really intense game. Unfortunately, I just missed my chance at the end of the third game.

I will be back at the world, With the goal to take the title for sure