"French Sensation: Tomas Junior Popov Stuns World No. 1 Axelsen at 2024 European Badminton Championships"
Trang Napie
Wed Apr 17 2024
At the 2024 European Badminton Championships, French player Tomas Junior Popov caused a major upset by defeating the world's number one player, Viktor Axelsen, securing a spot in the final and earning a place in the men's singles event at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
Despite never having beaten Axelsen in their previous three encounters, Popov managed to break the streak with a stunning victory in the first set. Axelsen fought back, forcing the match into a deciding game. The world number one found himself trailing after a 7-7 tie, as Popov surged ahead to claim the victory with a score of 21-19, 17-21, 21-9. Meanwhile, Anders Antonsen secured his spot in the final with a dominant semi-final win over Joakim Oldorff.
The prospect of a historic European championship win for France looms large as Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue became the first French pair to clinch the European title by defeating Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje of Denmark in the mixed doubles final. Anne Tran/Margot Lambert have a chance to add to France's gold medal tally by facing Gabriela Stoeva/Stefani Stoeva of Bulgaria in the women's doubles final.
The 2024 European Badminton Championships have seen unexpected twists and breakthrough moments, with Popov's victory over Axelsen setting the stage for a potentially first-ever men's singles title for France. As the competition continues, badminton fans eagerly anticipate more historic moments and fierce battles on the court.