French Open: Unheralded Challengers Shine
Several big names saw their campaigns come to an end in the YONEX French Open 2026 second round as lesser-fancied contenders made their mark on Thursday.
· DIANNE PIERRE
Marvin Seidel/Thuc Phuong Nguyen were among the day's standout performers, reaching the quarterfinals with a 21-17 14-21 21-19 victory over in-form world No.2 duo Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin.
The result continues a remarkable run in Paris for the Germans, who have now beaten two top 10 pairs; they ousted world No.9s Goh Soon Huat/Lai Shevon Jemie in the first round.
Jiang/Wei arrived in France having won consecutive titles (Arctic and Denmark Opens) but Seidel and Nguyen refused to be overawed by their lofty ranking.