Malaysia Masters: Li Busts ‘Fierce’ Toma Wall
Li Shi Feng has finally conquered Toma Junior Popov.
· PREM KUMAR & DIANNE PIERRE
Coming into the match 3-0 behind in career meetings, the world No.6 cancelled one of the most peculiar head-to-heads in recent men’s singles history, at long last besting the Frenchman in the PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2024 opening round.
The win did not come easy though, Li was made to slog for 82 minutes – the longest of their four encounters – before getting his just rewards. The way Li celebrated – he took off his shirt and threw it onto the floor – showed how much it meant.
"I made my toughest preparations when facing Toma,” admitted Li after the 12-21 21-19 21-15 victory. “I feel we push ourselves harder when we play each other. Toma played well in the first game and was leading in the second. I'm just very happy to finally get a win over him.”