Hangzhou, Dec 22 — Christo Popov delivered a composed and tactically astute performance to defeat China’s world No.1 Shi Yuqi and capture the men’s singles title at the 2025 World Tour Finals Badminton Championship, marking a historic breakthrough for French badminton.
The Frenchman, ranked eighth in the world, claimed the final 21–19, 21–9, preventing Shi from successfully defending his title on home soil and becoming the first French player to win the season-ending Finals.
Controlling Tempo from the Opening Exchanges
The final began with both players locked in a tight tactical contest, with long rallies and cautious shot selection dominating the opening game. Shi relied on controlled placement and patient construction, while Popov focused on variation, using changes of pace to disrupt rhythm.
As the first game progressed, Popov increasingly targeted the backcourt angles, forcing Shi into extended defensive exchanges. That approach paid off late in the game, as Popov edged ahead to secure the opener 21–19.
Momentum Shift After the First Game
Once Popov claimed the opening game, the dynamic of the match shifted sharply. Shi’s movement appeared restricted, and his ability to recover between shots declined as rallies lengthened.
Popov raised the tempo in the second game, accelerating the pace with flatter lifts and quicker transitions at the net. After the mid-game interval, he steadily pulled away, capitalising on errors and sealing the match with a dominant 21–9 scoreline.
A Perfect Run Against the Elite
Popov’s title was the culmination of a flawless campaign. The 23-year-old went undefeated across five matches, overcoming the world’s top three players — Shi Yuqi, Thailand’s former world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and Denmark’s Anders Antonsen.
He also defeated Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie and Japan’s defensive specialist Kodai Naraoka, underlining the tactical adaptability that defined his tournament.
Before this week, Popov’s best result on the BWF World Tour had come at Super 300 level. His Finals victory marked a significant leap in competitive maturity.
Shi Yuqi Limited by Physical Issues
Following the match, Shi revealed that blisters on the sole of his foot had affected his mobility, particularly during directional changes. The issue first emerged during the group stage and worsened as the tournament progressed.
Despite the setback, Shi emphasised the increasing competitiveness of men’s singles, noting that the depth of elite challengers continues to grow and leaves little margin for error at the highest level.
A Turning Point for French Men’s Singles
Beyond the individual result, Popov’s victory represented a landmark moment for French badminton. It delivered France its first title at the sport’s most elite event and signalled a potential shift in the men’s singles landscape.
For Popov, the Hangzhou triumph was more than a career milestone — it was confirmation that his tactical discipline, physical resilience, and mental control now belong among the world’s best.
