Malaysia Masters: Aching Body, Soaring Spirit
His body still carrying the reminders of France’s epic run into the Thomas Cup final just over a fortnight ago, Christo Popov somehow found the physical and mental fortitude to make his first semifinal in Malaysia.
· DEV SUKUMAR
On Friday he was caught in a fencing bout of thrust and parry with the wily Moh Zaki Ubaidillah, and after 52 minutes, emerged satisfied that he’d closed it out in straight games, but only just: 23-21 21-19. It could so easily have gone three games, causing his reserves to deplete further.
“He's a very good player. I don't know exactly his age, but I think he's still very young, and he has a really nice kill, honestly, and speed, and reminds me of Anthony Ginting and Jonatan Christie – a mix of both players -- so he's a very good player. I'm happy to win in two games. I'm feeling a bit better on court, I would say. I'm sleeping the whole day, and then I just wake up to play.
“I really didn't expect to go to the semifinals. As I said, I'm very tired coming into Malaysia, and it’s a good result for me.”