Both Christo Popov and Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue have claimed important victories at the World Tour Finals.

Yesterday, Christo Popov won 21–19 in a marathon match lasting 1 hour and 18 minutes. Today, he followed it up by defeating Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21–11, 18–21, 21–10 in a match that lasted 1 hour and 14 minutes. There was some uncertainty about how Christo Popov would perform today following his accident towards the end of the match against Anders Antonsen, which you can read more about here. However, nothing seemed to affect him on court. Playing in his usual fluent style, he moved excellently and at times outplayed his Thai opponent.

Although it was not visible on court, Popov himself was unsure about his condition when he woke up this morning. “To be honest, when I woke up this morning it was not so well. I had to go training, and we chose not to go because I had pain and it was tough to walk. But with painkillers and some physio also… once it is warm and with painkillers it is okay.”

Today’s win puts Christo Popov in a very favourable position. If Anders Antonsen wins his match later today against Jonatan Christie, Popov will be guaranteed a place in the semifinals. Even if Christie wins today’s encounter, Popov will still be able to decide his own fate tomorrow against the same opponent, where one set would be enough to secure his spot in the semifinals.

Another French pair fighting for a place in the semifinals is Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue. Yesterday, they lost in three games to the world number ones. Today, they faced the top-seeded Thai pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran, once again going the distance to decide a winner. This time, however, it was the French pair who could raise their arms in celebration, winning 14–21, 21–14, 21–18. The victory puts them in a stronger position to advance to the semifinals, although in this group even two wins may not be enough, depending on the other results.

Tomorrow will therefore be an exciting conclusion to the group stage for the French players.

Later today, the final European athlete will be in action, as Anders Antonsen faces Jonatan Christie.