With the world’s top badminton stars gathered in Singapore, the stakes are high — especially for European players aiming to make a statement on the global stage at this pivotal moment in the season. 

Popov brothers and Astrup/Rasmussen shine 
Christo Popov delivered one of the day’s biggest surprises by defeating world number 3 Anders Antonsen in straight games, 21-17 21-13. It was only the Frenchman’s second-ever encounter with the Dane, making the win all the more remarkable. Antonsen had appeared well-rested after withdrawing from the PERODUA Malaysia Masters to recover following his final against Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the Thailand Open just a week earlier. 

Christo’s brother, Toma Junior Popov, also impressed with a solid 21-19 21-15 victory over Japan’s Yushi Tanaka, earning himself a tough next round match against local favourite Loh Kean Yew, who made the most out of the home advantage, defeating fellow Frenchman Alex Lanier, 21-23 21-17 21-11. 

The only other Europeans to secure a win today were Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, who swiftly overcame their men’s doubles opener. The Danish top seeds wasted no time, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Lee Jhe-Huei/Yang Po-Hsuan in just 20 minutes, 21-6 21-14. 

Rest of Europeans
Elsewhere, it was a tough day for many European hopefuls. Line Kjærsfeldt, Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue, Ukraine’s Oleksii Titov/Yevheniia Kantemyr, Rasmus Gemke, and Ben Lane / Sean Vendy, among others, all fell short in their respective matches. 

But there will be more chances tomorrow for all those who have not gotten their chance to play their first round matches. Kirsty Gilmour, fifth seeded Jesper Toft/Amalie Magelund, Alexander Dunn/Julie Macpherson, Polina Buhrova, and Nhat Nguyen are all among those playing tomorrow. You can click here to see the order of play.