Christo Popov first French player to reach world number one ranking

Christo Popov Claims World Number One Ranking After French Open Victory

Christo Popov became the first French player to reach world number one in men’s singles badminton on October 25, 2026, after defeating Indonesia’s Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah 21-11, 14-21, 21-13 in the final of the Internationaux de France in Tremblay. C’est incroyable. Du jamais fait. Mon objectif, c’était vraiment de gagner l’Open de France. Mais les deux choses en même temps, à la maison. On ne peut pas rêver mieux, as savouré Popov au micro de la chaîne L’Équipe.

How the French Open Final Unfolded in Tremblay

Après avoir remporté la première manche 21-11, le Français de 24 ans a perdu la deuxième 21-14 face à son adversaire. Rallying in the deciding set before a home crowd of 5,000 spectators, Popov strung together eight consecutive points to pull ahead 11-3 and closed out the match 21-13 after a near-faultless run through the tournament that included only two lost sets and an initial warm-up with his older brother Toma Junior.

Climbing Past Vitidsarn in the Global Standings

The victory at the Super 750 tournament ensures Popov will surpass Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn when the Badminton World Federation publishes its updated rankings. Popov entered the home tournament ranked third in the world behind Vitidsarn and Denmark’s Anders Antonsen. By capturing the title, the Fos-sur-Mer native also became the first French player to win the men’s singles home title in 80 years, erasing the disappointment of his runner-up finish at the tournament the previous year.

CHRISTO POPOV WINS FRENCH OPEN & BECOMES WORLD NO. 1! 🇫🇷🏆

Popov Celebrates Victory After a Stellar 2026 Season

Popov celebrated his victory on the podium alongside his family, including his father and coach, Toma, following an undefeated path through the tournament for the native of Sofia, Bulgaria. The triumph follows a stellar year for the younger Popov brother, who claimed his first European singles title in April and won his maiden Super 750 crown at the Japan Open in July. These results build on his historic victory at the World Tour Finals in December 2025, cementing France’s rising prominence in international badminton following world championship titles earlier in the year by compatriot Alex Lanier and the mixed doubles pair of Thomas Gicquel and Delphine Delrue.

What Comes Next on the BWF World Tour

Popov will officially claim the number one spot when the Badminton World Federation releases its next weekly rankings, heading into the remainder of the autumn international calendar as the new standard-bearer in men’s singles.