Christo Popov, 24, claimed his first European singles title by beating two-time champion Anders Antonsen of Denmark 21-12, 21-19 in the singles decider, but the Popov brothers, born in Bulgaria and representing France, were unable to defend their European crown as they lost 21-15, 21-16 to England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy in the doubles final.
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The left-handed Christo had defeated right-handed Toma Junior, three years his senior, in Saturday’s semifinals on his way to the singles title.
“I’m very happy, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Popov, ranked No. 5 in the world, told L’Équipe television before the doubles final. “I’ve been good all week.”
The Popov brothers teamed up at the Paris 2024 Olympics and their father Toma Popov played and coached for Bulgaria before moving to France.
Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour won the women’s title by beating Line Kjærsfeldt of Denmark 21-17, 21-15 in her final.
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AP Sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports