German Open: Popovs Set Up Title Clash
Popov brothers Christo and Toma Junior booked their spots in Sunday’s final at YONEX German Open 2026 with contrasting wins.
· BWF STAFF
Toma Junior was through his semifinal against Chi Yu Jen in relatively quick time, 21-19 21-15, but Christo was taken the distance by India Open winner Lin Chun-Yi. The fourth seed from Chinese Taipei nearly stole the match despite trailing 15-9 in the third. He caught up at 17 but top seed Christo was sharper at the end and came away victorious at 21-10 18-21 21-18.
Sunday’s final won’t be the first time the Popovs have faced off for a Super 300 title – they had played the HYLO Open 2024 final, which Christo won. The younger brother said he expected it to be a “quiet” final.
“Tired and happy,” Christo said. “Lin played well and there were just a few details at the end that made me win. There was high level play and I’m happy to win and especially sharing the podium with my brother, we’ve been hoping for it. It’s going to be a good battle tomorrow.