Malaysia Open 2025: Chinese shuttlers shine, Popov stuns Christie on Day 2

IANS January 9, 2025 255 views

The Malaysia Open 2025 is turning out to be a thrilling badminton tournament with Chinese shuttlers dominating across multiple categories. Toma Junior Popov made headlines by stunning third-seed Jonatan Christie in an unexpected upset that's got everyone talking. The tournament has seen impressive performances from players like Li Shifeng and Wang Zhiyi, who advanced convincingly in their respective matches. With such exciting matches, the tournament promises more drama in the coming days.

"A clever game that changed everything" - Implied description of Popov's strategy
Kuala Lumpur, Jan 8: Chinese shuttlers put up a powerful performance even as Toma Junior Popov upset Indonesia's Jonatan Christie on Day 2 of the Malaysia Open 2025 here on Wednesday. While the Chinese shuttlers advanced in all five categories of the tournament held at the Axiata Arena, Popov banked on a “clever game” to secure his maiden victory over Christie, winning 21-8 14-21 26-24.

Key Points

1

Chinese shuttlers advance impressively across all tournament categories

2

Popov secures maiden victory against top-seeded Christie

3

Multiple national teams compete in intense badminton matches

4

Dramatic mixed doubles and singles competitions unfold

Men's singles shuttler Li Shifeng outplayed Priyanshu Rajawat of India 21-11, 21-16 to make the round of 16.

In the women's singles, Wang Zhiyi beat Hsu Wen-chi of Chinese Taipei 21-9, 21-13, while Wang's teammate Han Yue knocked out Pai Yu-po of Chinese Taipei and Gao Fangjie overcame Kristy Gilmour of Britain, reports Xinhua.

The men's doubles duo Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang beat out Kim Gi-jung and Kim Sa-rang of South Korea 21-18, 21-18 to reach the last 16. In the women's doubles, Li Yijing and Luo Xumin easily outplayed Fan Ka Yan and Yau Mau Ying of Hong Kong, China 21-14, 21-14.

Mixed doubles pair Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin beat Ruttanapak Oupthong and Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat of Thailand 18-21, 21-8, 23-21, while Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui overcame Chen Cheng-kuan and Hsu Yin-Hui of Chinese Taipei.

However, men's singles player Weng Hongyang and men's doubles pair Ren Xiangyu/Xie Haonan were knocked out.

Coming into the match against the third seed 4-0 down in career meetings, Popov knew he needed to minimise mistakes to stand a chance. The Frenchman also drew confidence from his close past encounters with Christie, two of which were decided by narrow margins. The most recent, at the China Open in September, ended 16-21 21-18 22-20 in Christie’s favour after a 73-minute tussle.

The result sends Popov into a second-round clash with Ng Ka Long Angus, who beat Weng Hong Yang 16-21 21-19 21-11.

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