It’s an unprecedented French victory. In two sets, Frenchman Christo Popov beat Chinese Shi Yu Qi. He thus becomes the first Frenchman to win the HSBC World tour finals.
At 23 years old, Christo Popov from Fossé has just dethroned the world number 1 in badminton during the HSBC World Tour Finals which have just ended in Hangzou (China). This competition brought together the eight best in each discipline.
The Frenchman therefore beat the Chinese Shi Yu Qi in two sets: 21-19 and 21-09. “The first set was very complicated“, analyse Christo Popov. “The second set was also hard to get all the points.“
Fosse’s Christo Popov (right) beat Chinese Shi Yu Qi (left).
•
© Yves Lacroix/Badmintonphoto
Christo Popov wins thus “the most prestigious title of his young career“, writes the French badminton federation in a press release. “The player from Fos-sur-Mer (Bouches-du-Rhône), who was trailing 4/1 in their direct clashes, finally managed to dominate this tough opponent in a match which once again kept all its promises. Christo becomes the first Frenchman to win this coveted crown.“
I am very happy to have won in China, in the country of badminton.
“It was an incredible week“, remembers the sportsman from Bucco-Rhodan. “If someone had told me last week before leaving that I was going to win… Frankly, it was improbable!“
