The All England is the dream tournament for any self-respecting badminton player. A place to experience at least once in a career. For Christo Popov, slowed down in his progress by the Covid years, he was entitled this Tuesday morning, for the first time in his career, to enter the Wimbledon from the bad in the singles table, after three appearances in doubles with his brother (including a quarter-final in 2021).
A successful first for the Fosséen who dominated Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in three sets (22-20, 17-21, 21-16) in 1h12.
Le Fosséen, 2024 French champion, had the honor of entering court N.2 first. An opposition which started in the best possible way for the Provençal. More serene on the court, he varied the exchanges well.
First short before being more aggressive. A paying option to take control of the round (18-13). The awakening of Lee Cheuk Yiu ultimately changed nothing (18-19), Christo Popov kept a cool head to win the first round with two attacks (22-20).
For Christo Popov, less “surgical” in the second round, the tide has turned. A few points lost along the way, it was enough to see Lee Cheuk Yiu pick up a set everywhere.
His brother Toma will try to imitate him
The two men still remain in a tight spot before seeing Christo Popov attack. A paying option for the 2024 French champion who varies his shots well to have a six-point lead (13-7). The Provençal is the most active in the exchange to keep a comfortable nest egg as money time approaches (17-12, 18-13, 19-14).
A cross shot outside offered five shuttlecocks of the first career victory in England for Christo (20-15). A meeting that he finally folded 21-16 on an attack on the net. He could raise his arms, savor. He confirms his current good form by entering the round of 16 against the winner of the match between Su Li Yang and the Indian Prannoy.
His brother Toma Junior could take over on court N.2. He will need the good vibes left by his brother on the court to get rid of the world No.3, the Chinese Li Shi Feng.
2024-03-12 11:55:03
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