Christo Popov has plans for the second tournament of the year in India (Super 750). After spending 1 hour 11 minutes on the court during his first round against the Taiwanese Wang Tzu Wei (13-21, 21-18, 21-19), he again exceeded the hour mark to defeat, for the first time in his career after an inaugural confrontation in 2022, the Indian Srikanth Kidambi (21-14, 17-21, 21-17).
A game of cat and mouse which animated the entire 3rd set. The Fosséen quickly made the difference in the last round (1-7) before the return of the Indian star in front of his audience (9-11). Repeated twice following few shots: the Provençal makes the break (10-17), but Kidambi hangs on (16-17). In this little game, Chisto Popov had the last word to win in 1 hour and 6 minutes (20-16).
Reunion with Jonatan Christie
He will meet in the quarter-final, an old acquaintance whom he had dominated during the World Tour Finals at the end of the year: the Indonesian Jonatan Christie (N.3).
Before thinking about recovery, Christo will have to use his left paw in doubles, with his brother Toma Junior.
THE Brothers will be opposed to the Malaysians Man and Tee, 5th pair in the BWF. A hell of a challenge for the reigning European champions. A confrontation which will be the last of the day in India on the main court. It will take place around 1 p.m.
