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Arnaud Merklé: Staying calm
Date: 7/8/2020 2:01 PM
Published by : BEC staff

Arnaud Merklé burst onto to badminton scene in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Last month the young prospect turned 20 and is now looking at making his mark at senior level. 


Merklé first tasted success in 2017 at the European Junior Team Championships, where the talent-filled French team took gold on home soil and also his home city of Mulhouse, France. The following year, Merklé took the gold at the European Junior Championships, defeating fellow countryman Christo Popov in the final. 


Since then, there has been a slight shift in attention to the younger Christo Popov as the hot prospect coming out of France. Especially due to the revenge victory achieved by Popov at the nationals and at the Barcelona Spain Masters in February this year. However, Merklé is still focused on becoming one of the top talents in Europe when he confidently states. 


- Yes, I think that I am one of the European talents, but I still need to improve a lot.


Last year, Merklé wasted no time to get to winning ways by taking his first two senior titles at the Estonian and German Internationals. What does the young Frenchman put this down to?


- Maybe it was because I am focused on my work to keep winning more and more. 


Read: Mairs: I would still play singles if I was any good


Very nice for us


Earlier this year, the European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships took place in Lievin, France. For Merklé, it was a great experience to be a part of the senior team that won the bronze medal, after a successful junior team run. Speaking about the things he can learn from the more experienced players, he says. 


- Many things, but the most important thing is to stay very calm and controlled in every situation under pressure.


Subsequently, the French men’s team will now be looking forward to the Thomas Cup. Merklé shares his expectations for this event.


- We will try to do our best and go for a bronze medal. This will be very nice for us. 

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