The European Junior Team Championships kicked off today with France against Switzerland as one of the opening matches. 

The first match was the women’s singles with Anna Tatranova from France and Julie Franconville from Switzerland. It was a close opening match with Tatranova managing to secure the first point for France after a 21-18 21-19 win. 

After the women’s singles it was the men’s singles turn to go on court. French Alex Lanier was up against Lorrain Joliat from Switzerland. Lanier, the 2018 European U15 Champion in men’s singles, won the first game 21-10. Like the first game, Lanier won the second game 21-10 and could bring France to a 2-0 score. 

- I felt good on court. The shuttles are a little fast, so it was difficult to control, Lanier stated. 

In the tie Lanier will also play the men’s doubles. Asking which category, he prefers, he said. 

- I prefer singles more as I am more focused. But the double is very crazy, and I love that. 

Back in the game

The women’s doubles were up next, and Flavie Vallet/Emilie Vercelot from France were facing Julie Franconville/Caroline Racloz from Switzerland. Once again, the French looked strong and Vallet/Vercelot took the first game 21-11. 

Franconville/Racloz fought with everything that had to keep Switzerland in the match up. The Swiss pair won the second game 21-12 and the decider 21-16, bringing Switzerland on the scoreboard. 

In the men’s doubles Alex Lanier/Lucas Renoir were up against Swiss Mathias Chanthakesone/Nicolas Franconville. The French won the match 21-10 21-14. 

The final match

The last match of the tie between France and Switzerland was the mixed doubles. Christo Popov/Flavie Vallet walked on court for France and Athur Boudier/Caroline Racloz for Switzerland. 

The French pair secured the win 17-21 21-16 21-11 and France won the team match 4-1. 

You can see the other results from the European Junior Team Championships here.