French Dominance Shines on Day 2: Doubles Champions Crowned in Cairo

The tension was electric and the rallies relentless as Day 2 of the 2025 Virtus World Table Tennis Championships in Cairo delivered a spectacle of grit, glory, and pure sporting excellence. The doubles finals saw the French contingent rise to the occasion, sweeping the courts with skill, unity, and unbreakable spirit.

It was a clash of champions as two powerhouse French duos faced off in a thrilling finale. Lucile Poquet and Céline Delalande went head-to-head with Carole Hennion and Camille Frison in a match that kept the crowd on edge until the very last point.

Lucile and Céline struck early, taking the first two sets 11–13 and 6–11 with remarkable control and intensity. But Hennion and Frison refused to surrender, clawing back the third set 12–10 to ignite hope of a comeback. The final set turned into a battle of nerves and endurance, but Lucile and Céline held firm, powering through to close the match 9–11, securing gold in a dramatic 3–1 victory.

The camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by all four players reflected the true spirit of the Virtus Championships — competitive yet deeply respectful.

The French pair Aymeric Gouyaud and Bachevillier were unstoppable as they faced their compatriots Alexandre Sibout and Cédric Courrillaud in an all-French final that showcased precision, power, and tactical brilliance.

From the first serve, Gouyaud and Bachevillier dominated the rhythm, keeping their opponents under pressure with lightning-fast returns and impeccable coordination. Their chemistry was unmatched, sealing a commanding 3–0 win (6–11, 5–11, 4–11) to claim the Men’s II2 Doubles Championship title. It was a masterclass in teamwork — and a clear message that French table tennis is thriving at its finest.

“We are very happy to win the finals. It was an easy game for us”

If ever there was a match to define courage and perseverance, it was the Men’s II3 Doubles Final. The French duo Pierre Delhom and Théo Clastres took on Thomas Sallier (FRA) and Enes Burç (TUR) in a heart-stopping contest that had the audience holding their breath.

Pierre and Théo stormed ahead with two convincing sets 11–2 and 11–9, their confidence soaring. But Sallier and Burç mounted a fierce comeback, snatching the next two sets 11–13 and 9–11, forcing a deciding fifth. The atmosphere inside the Cairo International Stadium was electric as both teams pushed their limits.

In the end, Delhom and Clastres summoned every ounce of resilience, executing flawless plays to capture the final set 11–7 — and with it, the championship title in a spectacular 3–2 triumph. The crowd erupted as the French pair raised their paddles high, celebrating not just a victory, but a moment of sheer sporting brilliance.

France stood tall on Day 2, marking their dominance and passion for the sport in an exhilarating showcase of doubles excellence in Cairo!