KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- 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 Malaysia Open 2025 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-set 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 Sinisuka 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.
“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,” he told reporters in a post-match interview, here.
Popov, who hoped to go as far as he could at the Malaysia Open 2025, will next meet Hongkonger Angus Ng Ka Long who came from behind to eliminate Weng Hong Yang of China, 16-21, 21-19, 21-11.
In the meantime, the world number 19 had 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, slated to be held from Aug 25 to 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
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