Sheer joy: France’s Toma Junior Popov reacts after beating Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in the men’s singles match at the Malaysian Open in Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil yesterday. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Is 2025 shaping up to be a breakout year for French badminton men’s singles shuttler Toma Junior Popov?
Only time will tell, but a stunning victory over third seeds Jonatan Christie of Indonesia at the Malaysian Open in Axiata Arena here today signals that the 26-year-old is ready to make waves this year.
The unseeded Popov pulled off one of the major upsets in the season opener as he survived a gruelling rubber-game battle against Jonatan 21-8, 14-21, 26-24 in 81 minutes.
Today’s feat marked his first win over the world number three after five matches.
Popov said confidence is key to his triumph over Jonatan which he had developed last year thanks to the high-profile victories against the mighty Dane Viktor Axelsen at the European Championships and Anthony Ginting from Indonesia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
"When I play them (top shuttlers) usually, I think at one moment we get used to it and after that, we get more comfortable," he said.
"I don't think I can beat everyone every day, for sure. I'm not at that kind of level but I would say I can surprise them and if I'm confident, it can be quite tough."
Popov, who hoped to go as far as he could at the Malaysian Open, will next meet Hongkong's Angus Ng Ka Long who came from behind to eliminate Weng Hongyang of China, 16-21, 21-19, 21-11.
The world number 19 Popov has set his sights on bigger goals this year, hoping to make the most of playing at home by aiming to shine at the upcoming World Championships from Aug 25-31.
The versatile player, who partnered with his brother Christo Popov in men’s doubles, also hoped to break into the world top 10 this year, which would mark his career-high ranking.
Yesterday, the Popov brothers disposed of Christopher Grimley-Matthew Grimley of Scotland, 21-17, 21-12, and will set up a second-round clash against Daniel Lungaard-Mads Vestergaard of Denmark.
The Danes, ranked world number 26, scored an upset over home pair and third seeds Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, 21-15, 9-21, 21-18 in the first round of the Super 1000 tournament. - Bernama
