The 2025 World Championships will conclude without European gold or silver, after all three European hopes fell short in today’s semifinals.

The day began with home favorites Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue, who were unable to progress past their semifinal. You can read more about their match and reactions here.

In the second session, it was Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen’s turn to try and book a place in the coveted finals. The Danes faced world No. 1 Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae – the latter part of the Korean pair that denied Astrup and Rasmussen the world title in Copenhagen last year.

This time, the gap in level was clear from the very first rally. The Koreans raced to a 9–0 lead before the Danes managed to settle into their rhythm, but it was nowhere near enough to recover the set, which ended 21–12. Things only worsened in the second game, where Astrup and Rasmussen were completely outplayed and lost 21–3.

After the match, the Danes were frustrated, both with their own level and their inability to make the contest more competitive. At the same time, they acknowledged that their opponents were simply superior on the day.
Skaarup:

“I don’t think we have tried this before, not on this scene but also not given the score. I think we were a bit tired after yesterday, but also each and every aspect of the game today they were much better.... It is difficult to score points when they are playing without any mistakes, and we’re playing with almost only mistakes.”

Although it wasn’t the final they had hoped for, the pair still valued their bronze medal.

“I think we will remember the first three matches from playing disciplined and well and fighting even when we struggled. And today’s match will stand as a kickass and not in our favor.”

The last European chance of reaching the top of the podium was Anders Antonsen, who faced defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn. Despite battling for every point, the Dane was unable to stop the Thai star, who secured victory 21–17, 21–15.

Afterwards, Antonsen praised his opponent:

“He was playing very fast from the front court a lot of flat pushes, some small deceptions and disguises, so that was difficult to keep up with the pace. My cognitive function today was not like super quick and fast and that was definitely needed if I was to keep up with his pace and his skill.”

While Antonsen leaves the World Championships with a bronze medal, he admitted it was a bittersweet finish:

“Very mixed (feeling for the week) I would say, some good things some bad things and ended up like this today not on a super positive note. Mixed emotions, happy that I managed to find ways to win the previous matches, because I was down and out and struggling with both the game and the mentality and everything.”