China Open: Toma Junior Outplays Lanier
Alex Lanier, runner-up at the DAIHATSU Japan Open 2025 on Sunday, couldn’t extend his campaign past the first round at the VICTOR China Open 2025 as he ran into compatriot Toma Junior Popov.
· BWF STAFF
Popov nearly stole the opening game from 12-19 down, and although Lanier took the game, Popov stepped on the gas and dominated the rest of the contest for a 20-22 21-13 21-17 win.
Toma’s brother Christo too enjoyed a great opening day, as he shut out home hope Lei Lan Xi in just 35 minutes, 21-13 21-8.
There were a number of surprises in the opening rounds. Indian teenager Unnati Hooda, just 17, stopped Kirsty Gilmour 21-11 21-16.