Malaysia Open: Toma Learns From Past Mistakes to Oust Christie
Toma Junior Popov banked on a “clever game” to secure his maiden victory over Jonatan Christie, 21-8 14-21 26-24, in the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2025 first round.
· PREM KUMAR
Coming into the match against the third seed 4-0 down in career meetings, Popov knew he needed to minimise mistakes to stand a chance. The Frenchman also drew confidence from his close past encounters with Christie, two of which were decided by narrow margins. The most recent, at the China Open in September, ended 16-21 21-18 22-20 in Christie’s favour after a 73-minute tussle.
“This is my first victory over him and I’m happy I was able to close it out, especially after having match points four times. I'm super happy, super relieved,” Popov said.
“The final moments were spectacular, both of us diving around the court. You could see from my celebration just how much this means.”