Christo Popov is in the final of French International Badminton Championships 2025 !
The Frenchman achieved an extraordinary feat, dominating in the semi-final, the Thai Kunlavut VitidsarnOlympic vice-champion Paris Olympics 2024.
Facing the world number 2, Christo Popov maintained the impressive level of play displayed the day before in the quarter-finals against Chi Yu Jen. From the first moments of the match, he got the better of his opponent and maintained a good lead (11-4). The Habs then took the first set 21-11.
A totally crazy second round
During the second set, the young 23-year-old left-hander initially continued to play dream badminton. He took a small lead (5-2) before seeing his opponent gain momentum. In front at the break (11-10), Christo Popov then had a weak first time to find himself behind by six points (11-17).
With his back to the wall in this second act, Christo Popov gradually managed to reduce the gap and put pressure on Kunlavut Vitidsarn (17-18). Under the eyes of his brother, Toma Junior Popovhe equalized at 19 all then got a match lead (20-19)!
But at the end of a long exchange and a good short cross defense, Kunlavut Vitidsarn erased it. It was finally on his second chance that Christo Popov concluded, signing one of the greatest feats of his young career.
Carried by a boiling Glaz Arena, he joined the grand final of the French Open, a first for a Frenchman since 2007.
By defeating Vitidsarn, Christo Popov also takes a nice personal revenge : in 2019, the Thai deprived him of the title of junior world champion by beating him sharply in two sets.
Worth a look
