Competing in a first semi-final, in his career, on a Super 300 was not likely to destabilize Christo Popov (22 years old next week). Le Fosséen qualified this Saturday for the final of the German Open. He perfectly seized the opportunity to come across a Korean who is not part of the world top 50: Hyeok Jin Jeon.
An opportunity to be seized certainly, but above all the 2024 French champion needed to keep a cool head and his quality of play displayed since the start of the week. An attitude that he was able to maintain after the loss of the second round. Tossed around during the second act, he knew how to bide his time and produce his effort in the last set which he copiously dominated after a single 3-3 tie. He was then able to place a series of seven consecutive points to leave no hope to his rival (14-5) and finally win 21-17, 11-21, 21-11 in 1h11.
After his incredible marathon in the quarter-final against Su Li Yang (world No. 31) in 1h40 of play the day before, the Provençal climbs to his first final on the circuit, he will face the winner of the match between the Chinese Jun Peng Zhao and the Dane Rasmus Gemke whom he had challenged in the final of the European team championships for a close victory for the Dane.
A first major title on the circuit?
This Sunday, Christo will be at the German tournament even if it means disrupting the organization of his European tour and his trip to Paris.
But until then, the Provençal has a magnificent final to play this Sunday just to build up his confidence for qualifying for the Games, to take precious points in the world ranking and to get closer to the 16 best at the “Race to Paris” on name given to the Olympic qualification which will end on April 30 where he should now be ahead of his brother Toma Junior.
But a few seconds after the Korean player’s last, overly long attack, it was above all the simple pleasure of victory that overwhelmed him on the court. He could savor and think more than ever about recovery before a final battle this Sunday. A meeting where the French champion will have everything to gain, starting with a first title in a major Word Tour tournament.
2024-03-02 16:47:07
#Sports #Badminton #German #Open #final #Super #Christo #Popov
