France’s Toma Junior Popov is fresh off the court from Eurasia Bulgarian Open 2018 as men’s singles champion and the newest BEC Elite Ranking shows that the 19-year-old has reached a career high as no. 6.
Besides the singles title in Sofia, Popov also won the men’s doubles title with his younger brother Christo Popov. Including being the winner of Hellas International in April, Latvian International in May/June, and Spanish International later in June, concludes a successful period.
Not to forget a bronze medal at the Mediterranean Games which combined with the last months of titles for the oldest Popov. Now, the no. 6 spot on the BEC Elite Circuit Ranking is his highest ranking ever after transitioning more and more from the Junior level.
- Yeah I’ve had pretty good results. I think it’s because I have adapted myself to the ‘new world’ after junior level. The transition from junior is hard to make but now I’m more confident and I have reached another level, Toma Junior Popov said to Badminton Europe.
- It’s really nice, I’m happy but at the same time not because I want to be the first so I will do my possible to be number one, he says about reaching no. 6.
Bulgarian title was special
Popov felt really proud about the titles in Bulgaria especially because he was born in that exact town. And to win two titles in front of his family felt great. Playing doubles with his younger brother was also something he enjoyed:
- It’s a bit special because we are really close, so I think this was to our strength! We had to find our rhythm in the first set and between the sets I told him: “Let’s kill them” and he answered to me “Let’s go”.
- I will play the Spain Masters and the Belgian International next. My goals are to rise up in the men’s single rankings for the highest possible before May 2019.
Find the current BEC Elite Circuit Ranking here