Popov Brothers Charge Into Quarter-Finals at European Badminton Championships

The Popov brothers have firmly established themselves as the focal point of France’s ambitions at the European Badminton Championships in Huelva, Spain. In a grueling Thursday stretch that tested both their endurance and precision, Christo and Toma Junior Popov swept through three separate matches, securing berths in the quarter-finals for both the men’s singles and men’s doubles competitions.

For the French contingent, the stakes have shifted dramatically. As other top French pairs have fallen, the Popovs now carry the mantle as the sole remaining hope for a national medal in the doubles category. Their efficiency on court has been clinical; they advanced through their round-of-16 matches without dropping a single set, a feat Toma Junior described as a “fulfilled and expeditious” contract.

A Masterclass in Versatility

Managing the “double project”—competing at an elite level in both singles and doubles—is a physical and mental tightrope. For Christo and Toma, although, this duality is a long-standing habit. Their Thursday schedule began well before the first shuttlecock was struck. Christo, currently the world No. 5 in men’s singles, was at the team hotel breakfast table by 6:45 a.m. To prepare for a 9:00 a.m. Start.

The morning began with Christo facing Israeli opponent Daniil Dubovenko in the singles draw. Despite admitting that early starts aren’t always his preference, the Fos-sur-Mer native utilized the early slot to maximize his recovery time later in the tournament. The strategy paid off, as he secured a victory that propelled him into the final eight of the singles event.

The brothers then pivoted to the men’s doubles, where they entered the competition later due to a first-round bye. Facing the Swedish pair of Molin and Svensson, the Popovs displayed the chemistry that earned them the gold medal at the 2025 European Championships in Horsens. They dismantled the Swedish duo 21-16, 21-13, ensuring they remain on track to defend their title.

The Weight of the French Medal Hope

The significance of the Popov brothers’ run is amplified by the struggles of their teammates. The French doubles campaign has seen a series of high-profile exits. Julien Maio and Léa Palermo were eliminated in the mixed doubles by the Danish favorites Christiansen and Boje (21-10, 21-18). Other promising pairs, including Delrue and Gicquel in mixed and Lambert and Pognante in women’s doubles, have too been knocked out.

This leaves the Popovs as the only French pair capable of reaching the podium. In the high-pressure environment of the Carolina Marin sports center, the brothers are operating under a familial support system. Their father, Toma, serves as their coach, accompanied by team physios Anne and William to manage the physical toll of their dual-event workload.

Christo Popov: The Rise of a World No. 5

While the brotherhood is the narrative, Christo’s individual trajectory is a story of consistent ascent. Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2002, Christo has evolved into one of the most dangerous players on the BWF circuit. His current world ranking of No. 5—a career high reached on February 17, 2026—is the result of a decade of dominance that began in the junior ranks.

Christo’s resume is a roadmap of elite progression. He was a European U15 and U17 Junior Champion and climbed to the world No. 1 spot in boys’ singles in January 2020. He further solidified his status by clinching the boys’ singles title at the 2020 European Junior Championships. On the senior stage, he has already made history as the first Frenchman to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious All England Open.

His versatility is evidenced by his medal haul at the 2023 European Games, where he secured a silver in men’s singles and a bronze in men’s doubles. Now, at 24, he is balancing that individual brilliance with the synergistic partnership he shares with Toma Junior.

Tactical Outlook and the Road to Gold

The brothers’ success in Huelva is rooted in their ability to switch mental modes. The singles game requires a patient, strategic approach to outmaneuver a single opponent, while the doubles game demands explosive speed and near-telepathic communication. The Popovs’ ability to execute both on the same day—without dropping a set—suggests they are currently in peak physical condition.

However, the path to the podium becomes significantly steeper from here. To reach the finals, they must navigate the quarter-finals, where the draw has set up a fascinating “brother vs. Brother” clash. The French duo is scheduled to face the Czech pair of Jiri and Ondrej Kral.

This matchup is more than just a quest for a medal; It’s a battle of sibling synergies. The Krals, like the Popovs, rely on the innate understanding that comes from growing up and training together. For Christo and Toma, victory over the Czechs would guarantee a medal—the only one potentially available for France in the doubles categories.

For those following the tournament, the Popovs’ journey provides a rare glimpse into the discipline required for modern badminton. From the 6:45 a.m. Wake-up calls to the strategic employ of the BWF world rankings to gauge their opponents, every detail is calculated. The “double project” is no longer an experiment; it is a proven blueprint for success.

As the tournament progresses in Huelva, the focus remains on whether the Popovs can maintain this relentless pace. With a world No. 5 ranking in singles and a defending title in doubles, the brothers are not just participating—they are the ones to beat.

Next Checkpoint: The Popov brothers face Jiri and Ondrej Kral in the men’s doubles quarter-finals on Friday, April 10. Stay tuned for the result and updates on Christo’s progress in the singles draw.

Do you think the Popov brothers can secure gold in both events, or will the physical toll of the double project be too much? Let us grasp in the comments.