Toma Junior Popov stunned world No.1 Viktor Axelsen to enter the final of the 2024 European Championships and guarantee himself of a spot at Paris 2024.
Popov stands on the verge of making history as the first Frenchman to win the men’s singles, but he faces 2021 champion Anders Antonsen in the final.
Popov had never taken a game off Axelsen in three previous meetings, and he broke the jinx with a narrow first game win. Axelsen bounced back to force a decider, but fell behind after 7-all, with Popov running away with the match after the interval, 21-19 17-21 21-9.
In the other semifinal, Antonsen stopped surprise semifinalist Joakim Oldorff 21-11 21-11.
Gicquel/Delue Win Gold
Thom Gicquel & Delphine Delrue
In the only final played on Saturday, Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue made history as the first gold medallists from France.
The French duo beat Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje 21-16 21-15.
Other Highlights
» France have a shot at the women’s doubles gold as well, with Anne Tran/Margot Lambert making the title round against Gabriela Stoeva/Stefani Stoeva.
» Men’s doubles saw an upset, with Andreas Sondergaard/Jesper Toft beating second seeds Rasmus Kjaer/Frederik Sogaard.
» In women’s singles, Kirsty Gilmour has the opportunity to make history as the first women’s singles winner from Scotland when she takes on six-time winner Carolina Marin.
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