The final match of the first session featured home favorite and newly crowned top-10 player Christo Popov, facing none other than world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi. In a thrilling battle of world-class badminton, the two stayed neck and neck until the very end of the deciding third game. At 18-18, it was the Chinese star who held his nerve, taking three straight points to seal the victory 21-18.

After the match, a composed but disappointed Popov reflected on the performance: “It was a good match after all, but in the end when you are just missing for a few rallies it hurts a lot, especially at home.” Despite the loss, Popov expressed satisfaction with the overall level he managed to display at the championships.

For Alex Lanier, however, there was little satisfaction to be found. The young Frenchman fell in straight games to China’s Weng Hong Yang, 21-18, 21-12. Lanier looked in control early, racing to a commanding 12-4 lead in the first game. But the momentum slipped away, and an 18-16 advantage turned into a 21-18 loss. In the second game, a disastrous 0-6 start left Lanier with no way back.

Afterwards, the disappointment was evident: “When the mind is there, and physically I feel good, then it is just annoying and so frustrating to play like this.”

There is still one European men’s singles player left in today’s action — but victory is guaranteed, as Toma Popov will face Anders Antonsen. The head-to-head record stands at 10-0 in the Dane’s favor, meaning Popov will need to play at his absolute best if he hopes to break that streak.