It’s difficult to move on after so many emotions. Two weeks after triumphing over the best players on the planet and in particular the world No. 1, Shi Yu Qi, in the final of the World Tour Finals, Christo Popov lost this Tuesday, January 6, to 1is round of the Malaysian Open.
Opposite to 18e world player, Lee Cheuk Yiu, the new French No. 1, now 7e world, started well, winning the first set (21-13) before leading 17-12 in the 2e set… But the Hong Konger held on, stuck back together before breaking away in the 2e seet (19-21). The scenario repeated itself in the decisive set (from 17-13 to 17-17). Imprecise, the French left-hander suffered the aggressiveness of his opponent, who ended up gaining the upper hand and winning by two more points (21-23).
Toma Junior also eliminated
For the Fosséen, it is a poor performance after his surprise coronation in Hangzhou (China). At the same time, his big brother, Toma Junior Popov (15e world), also suffered the same fate, against the Japanese Kenta Nishimoto (14e), losing in three sets (14-21, 21-14, 5-21).
Read also: Badminton. “A very rewarding, very coveted title”: Christo Popov looks back on his victory at the World Tour Finals
The Popov brothers will defend their chance on Wednesday in doubles, before playing again in singles in India next week.
