French Open: Popov Achieves Personal Milestone
Christo Popov finally claimed a French Open first round win, 21-11 21-19 over Lin Chun-yi, at the Glaz Arena in Rennes on Tuesday, marking a breakthrough moment on home turf.
· DIANNE PIERRE
The victory was Popov's second over the Chinese Taipei shuttler in as many weeks, having beaten him at Denmark Open last Tuesday. The clash came about through unusual circumstances after top seed Shi Yu Qi's withdrawal triggered a reshuffle in the draw.
"I only found out last night after the team managers' meeting I'd be playing him so it was a surprise," Popov revealed.
The significance of the victory was not lost on the Frenchman, who had endured tough opening-round exits in previous home appearances against higher-ranked opponents. In 2023, he faced 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew while last year brought a meeting with eventual champion Shi himself.