China Open: Against the Drift, Into History
The drift may have dictated play all week at VICTOR China Open 2026 but on Saturday it carried Toma Junior Popov into uncharted territory.
· PREM KUMAR
The Frenchman battled from a game down to defeat eighth seed Victor Lai 14-21 21-12 21-15, earning his first victory over the Canadian in three meetings.
In the process, Popov became the first French singles player to reach a Super 1000 final. Just 24 hours earlier, the 27-year-old had broken new ground by becoming the first singles player from his country in 22 years – after Pi Hongyan in 2004 – to make the China Open semifinals.
"It's my first time reaching this stage, so I'm trying to enjoy every moment and every second on court," Popov said. "I'm delighted to represent France at this level."