The FZ FORZA Dutch International 2023 came to a close yesterday with Julien Carraggi taking home his first international title. After a great result in the Polish Open just some weeks earlier in which he secured a bronze medal, the Belgian badminton player was in outstanding form throughout the tournament on Dutch soil.

His fantastic performances in the final rounds — wins in straight games against Germany’s Fabian Roth and Dane Karan Rajan Rajarajan in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively, and a final victory in a thrilling three-game match, 21-17, 17-21, 21-16 against Dutch player Joran Kweekel — secured him the coveted title. 

Besides Kweekel’s hard-fought second spot, the host nation got to celebrate more podium wins on home soil. Dennis Koppen, partnered with Bulgaria’s Alex Vlaar, won the bronze in men’s doubles. In women’s doubles, third seeds Kirsten De Wit/ Alyssa Tirtosentono also achieved the third/fourth place.

The women's singles title went to Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu-Hsun with Kaloyana Nalbantova finishing as the runner-up, a well-deserved result for the reigning European Junior champion. Two of England’s pairs claimed the silver — top seeds Rory Easton/ Zach Russ and Brandon Zhi Hao Yap/ Annie Lado.

See the full list of winners here. 

Next up in the European Circuit is the YONEX Luxembourg Open 2023. The International Series tournament will be taking place from 4 to 7 May and will be streamed on badmintoneurope.tv.