Christo Popov and Anders Antonsen delivered a high-level opening match at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2025, filled with intense rallies, momentum shifts and memorable between-rally moments. Among them was Antonsen asking Popov if his shoelace was tied properly, drawing a smile from the Frenchman.

Popov claimed the first game 21-13 before Antonsen responded with a 21-12 win in the second, with both games close until one player managed to break away. The decider followed the same pattern as Popov built a strong lead at 20-13, only for Antonsen to claw back points by increasing the pressure and capitalising on errors.

At 20-17, Popov slipped awkwardly and required medical attention, with Antonsen immediately showing sportsmanship. Despite being clearly affected, Popov returned to give everything on the final points, closing out the match 21-19 to claim his first World Tour Finals victory.

"I'm not feeling that great right now. But we have to see how it looks tomorrow (...) Right now I'm still warm so it's difficult to tell, bu I hope I'll be at a hundred percent tomorrow." Popov expressed to TV2 after the match.

The win gives him an early advantage ahead of the remaining group matches against Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Jonathan Christie, and makes it difficult for AAntonsen, needing to produce victories in the next two matches.