Whatever happens from now on during these World Tour Finals, Christo Popov’s performance will be historic. He will remain as the first Frenchman to win a singles match in this competition, his brother, present with him to support him during this edition in China, had not managed to win a single match during his participation in 2021.
Christo Popov was the strongest to win ahead of world No.3, Anders Antonsen (21-13, 12-21, 21-19) while in the other group match Kunlavut Vitidsarn won clearly against the Indonesian Jonatan Chrsitie (21-10, 21-14). A Fosséen who played to scare himself in the final round after falling on the court (20-18) and having burned six shuttlecocks of the match but his last attack was the right one.
A happy outcome in a huge room, courts drawn in red. The Hangzhou venue was decked out in all its finest for Christo Popov’s first singles match at the World Tour Finals.
Pop and get revenge
A career baptism which started in the best possible way for the Fosséen who took the lead during the first round. More solid in the exchanges, effective attacks on the man, Christo Popov insisted against Anders Antonsen who had given him victory during the French Open. It was a good thing for him since the Dane saw his game completely disintegrate to offer the first round to the Provençal (21-13).
But the Scandinavian is not 3rd in the world for nothing. Antonsen got back in the saddle in the second heat while Christo lacked sharpness in his attacks or his judgments of shuttle trajectories. The sanction fell with a set won by Antonsen (12-21).
And now the 2nd world Kunlavut Vitidsarn!
Everything was going to come down to a spectacular final round. But more serene facing the very expressive Dane on the court, Christo Popov led the exchanges to gradually take charge of the set. 11-8 at the change of sides, “CP” would go on to count these seven match shuttlecocks (20-13). After six saved by Antonsen, the last one was the right one.
Popov won his first group match, ideally launching the competition. He will challenge the Thai Vitidsarn on Thursday. A victory would secure his place in the semi-finals. An already successful competition for a player who will now have to treat a painful hamstring and tendon after his fall on the court.
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