Photo: Reuters
PETALING JAYA: Frenchman Toma Popov (pic) is plotting to spoil Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting and Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia’s party in the Paris Olympics.
Zii Jia and Anthony are on collision course in the last 16 after they were drawn in Group G and H respectively and while many are expecting the two to meet, Toma could ruin the duo’s hopes.
The 25-year-old, who has been placed in Group H along with Anthony, is keen to enjoy a positive outing in front of his home fans.
Only the group winners will progress to the knockout rounds and Toma is out to topple the Indonesian and progress to the round of 16 to set up a possible clash against Zii Jia.
Toma went through a tough qualification campaign after he was pushed by his brother, Christo all the way.
The former also qualified for the men’s doubles competition in the Olympics with Christo.
“Not everyone gets to play in the Olympics at home and I want to make the most of this rare opportunity,” said Toma in an interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
“It was a tough qualification period for me. It was mentally and physically taxing as I was also trying to qualify in two events.
“My brother and I were pushing each other throughout the qualification period and it was very emotional for me to qualify for both events and I want to do well.”
Toma should have no problems overcoming American Howard Shu today before taking on Anthony tomorrow.
In their only meeting before this in his home Open last year, the world No. 22 Frenchman gave the world No. 9 Indonesian a huge scare before going down fighting 21-11, 17-21, 19-21.
Anthony warmed up for the clash against Toma by sweeping aside Howard 21-14, 21-8.
Meanwhile, world No. 7 Zii Jia will play Spain’s world No. 62 Pablo Abian in his second group match tomorrow after easily beating Sri Lanka’s Viren Nettasinghe in his opening tie.
