KUALA LUMPUR: Alex Lanier has set his sights on ending Viktor Axelsen and Anders Antonsen's reign as Europe's leading shuttlers, with dreams of becoming the first Frenchman to win a badminton world title.
World No. 18 Lanier grabbed headlines last year by winning the Japan Open Super 750 and reaching the semi-finals of the Denmark Open.
The 20-year-old caused a stir by defeating Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in the first round of the Japan Open, stunning world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China in the semi-finals and Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen in the final, underlining his potential as Europe's next badminton star.
Although Lanier recorded a win over world No. 4 Axelsen when the two-time Olympic champion conceded a walkover at the Denmark Open last year, he remains determined to earn a 'clean' victory against the Danish legend.
His only victory over world No. 2 Antonsen came in the Arctic Open last year.
With the World Championships set to take place in Paris this year, Lanier dreams of making history by claiming the world title on home soil.
"I am focusing on physical strength and skill as one day, I want to be the best player in the world. First, I want to become Europe's top player," said Lanier after a training session at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, today.
"Axelsen and Antonsen are playing very well. However, I will keep trying to be better.
"I have so many goals, and winning the world title in Paris is a dream for me. I also hope to break into the world's top five this year."
The Malaysia Open will mark Lanier's debut in a Super 1000 event, where he faces world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the first round.
"Kunlavut is a very good player. However, it doesn't matter who I face, as I must start beating the top players to be the best," he added.