Home » Popov upsets Christie in Malaysia Open; Axelsen, Sen fall

Popov upsets Christie in Malaysia Open; Axelsen, Sen fall

Toma Junior Popov upsets No.3 seed Jonatan Christie at the Malaysia Open on Wednesday even as Viktor Axelsen and Lakshya Sen also fell.

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POPOV UPSETS CHRISTIE IN 81-MINUTE THRILLER

Popov upsets Christie, 21-8, 14-21, 26-24, in a thrilling match that lasted 81 minutes.

Furthermore, the Frenchman world No.19 overcame a second set letdown by outlasting the Indonesian world No.3 in the decider.

Moreover, Popov withstood a back-and-fourth battle in the third set at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

“Fewer easy mistakes, more focus, and better nerve control. I was clever at times and avoided unforced errors,” the 27-year-old said.

“It’s just the start of 2025, no expectations – just play, enjoy the game, and the atmosphere, especially here in Malaysia,” he added.

Jonatan Christie Tersingkir di Babak Pertama Malaysia Open 2025, Rekor Kemenangan atas Toma Popov Junior Akhirnya Terhentihttps://t.co/iqbXcYSq0p

— Jawa Pos (@jawapos) January 8, 2025

AXELSEN, SEN FELL IN EARLY EXITS

Moreover, Axelsen was the first major seed to fall after he absorbed a 17-21, 13-21 loss to Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu.

Furthermore, the Danish former world No.1 was coming off a leg injury after the China Masters in November and it seems like he hasn’t recovered yet.

“I don’t think I’m physically strong at the moment and I need to fix that. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to practice prior to the tournament,” Axelsen said.

Sen joined Axelsen and Christie in the sidelines after yielding a 14-21, 7-21 setback to Chi Yu-jen of Chinese Taipei.

The Indian shuttler fell to several unforced errors, which the world No.32 took advantage of throughout.

Another upset for the day. https://t.co/whqqnozwiM

— Yna Vanessa (@ynavanessa) January 7, 2025

DANISH WORLD NO.1 MEN’S DOUBLES TANDEM CRASHES OUT

Furthermore, Danish world No.1 men’s doubles pair Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen also crashed out of the tournament.

Moreover, Astrup/Skaarup went down, 21-16, 18-21, 22-20, to Chinese Taipei’s Wang Chi Lin and Chiu Hsiang Chieh in 62 minutes.

It was a big let down for the Danish tandem, who were coming off a title at the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, last month.

Meanwhile, home favorites Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were not spared of the upset axe either.

Malaysia’s world No.3 men’s doubles pair absorbed a 21-15, 9-21, 21-18 loss to Danish world No.26 tandem Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard.

Lakshya Sen gets absolutely destroyed by Chi Yu Jen🇹🇼. He missed a good opportunity to improve his rankings. #MalaysiaOpenSuper1000 pic.twitter.com/bn2lDGYTiY

— Rambo (@monster_zero123) January 7, 2025