POPOV vs ANTONSEN, an all-European final

It's a flying start for Christo POPOV (No. 8) against Kunlavut VITIDSARN (No. 2, Thailand)! To the cheers and applause of the crowd, the Frenchman plays magnificently. His attacks are precise and lightning fast. The Thai player is unable to respond and, caught off guard, accumulates faults. The Frenchman dominated the rallies and set the pace of the game. He won the first set comfortably 21-11. The second set followed the same pattern. But then the Thai player changed tactics. With his confidence restored, VITIDSARN found the right zones and took control of the game. Carried by the cheers of the crowd, Christo began an extraordinary comeback that would lead him to victory. 

In a frenzied Glaz Arena, the Frenchman reached the final after an epic battle against Kunlavut VITIDSARN (No. 2, Thailand) in 47 minutes of play (21-11, 22-20). 

Euphoric, and under the proud gaze of his father Toma POPOV, he reflected on this resounding victory: "I couldn't fall into the trap of thinking I'd won just because I was leading. I had to stay focused. I had a bit of a slump in the second set, then he did, which allowed me to come back in one go. […] Last night, I was in the shower thinking that I was fed up with semi-finals and that this time I had to make it to the final. Now I've done it and I'm really happy. But the competition is far from over and tomorrow there will be a big final at home. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy it 100%. Now it's going to be a big match, no matter who the opponent is. It's a big challenge, and it's up to me to go for the title. I think it will be a key moment in my career."  

In the final, we will face Anders ANTONSEN (No. 3, Denmark), who defeated LI Shi Feng (15/21 21/19 21/13) after a marathon match lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. That's how long it took him to win in the quarter-finals and the round of 16! Four and a half hours of play could take its toll on the Dane's legs tomorrow afternoon, as he is already struggling with his ankle. While he will be keen to spoil the party for the French crowd, Anders ANTONSEN is determined to follow in the footsteps of Victor AXELSEN, the last European winner (2022), where the final was 100% Danish.

POPOV and ANDERSEN have rarely faced each other. In their head-to-head history, the score is one win apiece. Their first duel in 2022 ended in defeat, when the Frenchman was only 20 years old and had little experience. Their last encounter, on 27 May 2025 at the Singapore Open, ended in victory for the Frenchman, who controlled the match from start to finish in 47 minutes (21/17 21/13).  

Christo POPOV will have the opportunity to write one of the most beautiful pages in the history of French badminton tomorrow. Meanwhile, Anders ANTONSEN could follow in the footsteps of Victor AXELSEN. Only time will tell. See you this Sunday for the last final of the day!