Christo Popov is into his fourth World Tour semifinal this year alone, as he currently sits at 10th in the world rankings, the highest position for the 23-year-old Frenchman.

29-27 thriller against Loh Kean Yew
As Christo Popov took to the court at the Hong Kong Coliseum against Loh Kean Yew, they entered the match with a head-to-head record of 3-3. Popov started strong and secured the first game 21-18. The second game, however, told a completely different story. Before the interval, Loh was in complete control, leading 11-2. Christo managed to find more rhythm after the interval, but the game ended 21-9, with Loh leveling the match and Popov regaining some confidence.

The deciding game was a true nail-biter, with the two following each other closely, never more than two points apart in the last 20 rallies. At 19-19, it was anyone’s game. After diving saves, powerful smashes, and saving five match points, Christo Popov emerged victorious in their seventh encounter.

Toft/Magelund
Jesper Toft/Amalie Magelund were the only other Europeans left. They faced the Japanese pair Yuta Watanabe/Misaki Matsutomo in a quick match, which saw Toft/Magelund eliminated after just 31 minutes.

For all of today’s results, click here. To see tomorrow’s matches, click here.