The Danish pair LUNDGAARD/VESTERGAARD end POPOV's run

The last French players to compete on Wednesday, Christo and Toma Junior POPOV were eliminated in the first round of the men's doubles at the French Open, dominated by the Danish pair LUNDGAARD/VESTERGAARD: 22/20 21/15.

History repeated itself on Wednesday, 22 October. Two and a half years after their (only) victory against the POPOV brothers at the Orleans Masters, in two sets, Daniel LUNDGAARD and Mads VESTERGAARD (No. 26) once again spoiled the party for French fans by defeating Toma Junior and Christo (No. 17) in 52 minutes of play.

Quickly taking the lead (10-6) and then pulling away (16-9), the Danes were caught up within a few minutes. A quick 7-0 run by POPOV tied the score at 16-16, while LUNDGAARD received a yellow card after several warnings from the referee for controversial serves. Although the French won the video challenge and were just one point away from winning the set (19-20), it was not to be. The Nordics scored 3-0 and took the lead by winning the first set 22-20.

Building on their momentum, the Danish pair took control of the next set from the outset and never trailed, despite several ties. At 14-13, the POPOV brothers gradually began to falter. LUNDGAARD/VESTERGAARD cruised to victory in the final stretch, winning 21-15.

Highly anticipated after the elimination of the other French pair, ADAM/ROSSI, earlier in the day, the POPOVs saw their run come to an end right from the start. Toma Junior was disappointed after the match. "The Danes were very successful in the first set, while we made silly mistakes. We especially regret the second half of the second set, where we didn't play as well."

This was the second disappointment in two days for the elder POPOV brother after his elimination yesterday in the men's singles. But Christo will have the opportunity to avenge his brother tomorrow when he also faces LEE Chia Hao in the round of 16.

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