Christo Popov
Christo Popov fulfilled a lifelong dream on home soil, defeating Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah 21-11 14-21 21-13 to capture the French Badminton Open title and rise to world No.1.
Roared on by a packed Arena Grand Paris crowd, the Frenchman looked in complete control when he surged to an 11-3 lead in the decider. But Ubaidillah refused to back down, clawing his way back into the match 12-10 ensuring there would be no easy points for the home favourite.
“I knew the beginning of the third game would be one of the most important things,” said Popov.
Even as the Indonesian threatened a comeback, Popov held firm to seal the biggest title of his career. Afterwards, he admitted a few moments of fortune had gone his way.
“Some lucky shots” and a net cord had helped him at key moments. As the scale of the achievement sank in, the emotions poured out.
“All the planets aligned today. I guess it’s my day and it’s a French day because I’m not only proud of myself, but also that a Frenchman has won the French Open. It’s amazing, really.”
The final demanded as much mentally as physically. While Popov often felt in control of the rallies, he found himself repeatedly having to reset after losing points he thought he had earned.
“Sometimes even though I’m managing the rally, I’m still losing it. It was tough to go back into a new point, being deep in the score, although I was playing well.”
Experience proved invaluable. Reflecting on previous title matches, Popov felt he was better equipped to handle the pressure of the occasion compared to his emotional performance in the final last year.
“I think I’m also a more experienced player now.”
The new world No.1 was quick to share the credit, paying tribute to his team and the fans who supported him throughout the week.
“Those results, they don’t come alone. I couldn’t have done it without the team I have here and also the crowd.”
The triumph was significant not only for Popov but for French badminton as a whole. With teammate Alex Lanier the reigning world champion and Popov now at the summit of the world rankings, France continues to enjoy an unprecedented period of success. More importantly, Popov became the first Frenchman to win the men’s singles title at the French Open since Henri Pellizza in 1946, ending an 80-year wait for a home champion.
“It’s one of the best memories I have in my career. The first one is always the best one.”
FINAL RESULTS
Men’s singles: Christo Popov (Fra) bt Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah (Ina) 21-11, 14-21, 21-13
Men’s doubles: Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (Mas) bt Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin (Mas) 13-21, 21-15, 21-7
Women’s singles: An Se-young (Kor) bt 21-19; P.V. Sindhu (Ind) 16-21, 21-11, 21-12
Women’s doubles: Yuki Fukushima-Mayu Matsumoto (Jpn) bt Pearly Tan-Thinaah Muralitharan (Mas) 10-21, 21-17, 21-16
Mixed doubles: Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping (Chn) bt Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing (Mas) 21-10, 21-13
