Christo Popov Claims First European Singles Title; Popov Brothers Take Silver in Doubles

The 2026 European Badminton Championships in Huelva, Spain, belonged to the Popov family. In a whirlwind Sunday of competition on April 12, Christo Popov secured his first career continental singles title, while he and his older brother, Toma Junior, added a silver medal to France’s tally after a hard-fought doubles final.

For Christo, the day was a triumph of precision and endurance. The 24-year-old, currently ranked World No. 5, captured the gold in the men’s singles final by defeating Denmark’s Anders Antonsen. In a match that shifted the dynamics of the European hierarchy, Popov dominated the opening set 21-12 in just 19 minutes, capitalizing on several unforced errors from the World No. 3.

The second set proved more competitive, but Popov maintained control throughout, never relinquishing the lead. He closed out the match 21-19, securing his first European singles crown. The victory also brings the head-to-head record between the two top Europeans to a dead heat at three wins apiece.

A Family Affair in the Semi-Finals

The road to the gold was particularly poignant for Christo, as he had to eliminate his own brother, Toma Junior, in the semi-finals to reach the championship match. Toma Junior entered the tournament as a former finalist, but the younger Popov’s form proved insurmountable in their sibling clash.

This internal rivalry set the stage for a high-stakes Sunday, where Christo attempted to achieve the rare feat of winning gold in both singles and doubles on the same day.

Doubles Heartbreak in Huelva

Just over an hour after his singles victory, Christo returned to Court 1 to partner with Toma Junior for the men’s doubles final. Entering the match as the defending champions, the French brothers were favorites to retain their title. Still, they met a relentless British pair in Ben Lane and Sean Vendy.

The British duo controlled the tempo from the start, winning in straight sets (21-15, 21-16). While the Popovs managed to fight back to 11-11 in the first set and remained within striking distance at 19-16 late in the second, they could not break the momentum of Lane and Vendy. The result marked the first European title for the British pair and left the Popov brothers with a silver medal.

For those following the tournament’s progression, the doubles final served as a reminder of the narrow margins in elite badminton; despite the Popovs’ status as title holders, the British pair’s consistency proved decisive in the final points of each set.

France’s Continental Standing

The performance in Huelva underscored France’s growing dominance in the sport. The national team concluded the European Championships with a total of four medals. While Christo’s singles gold was the highlight, the team’s depth was evident, though other hopefuls faced tough exits; notably, Arnaud Merklé was eliminated in the singles semi-finals by Anders Antonsen in straight sets.

Christo Popov’s ascent continues to be a focal point for the sport. Coming off a victory at the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou on December 21, 2025, his success in Spain solidifies his position as one of the premier players in the world.

With the European circuit concluded, the focus now shifts to the global rankings and the next phase of the BWF World Tour. The Popov brothers leave Spain having reinforced their status as the face of French badminton, balancing individual glory with a strong partnership.

For more updates on international badminton and athlete rankings, follow the official tournament reports via L’Équipe and Eurosport.

Do you think the Popov brothers can reclaim their doubles title next year? Let us know in the comments below.