Toma Junior Popov won a cracker of a match against Leong Jun Hao to make the second round of the VICTOR China Open 2024.

The Frenchman, who took time off after his home Olympics before returning at last week’s LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2024, survived the 95-minute battle, saving five match points in the second game before edging his rival 23-25 26-24 21-19.

“It was a great battle. It was a mental battle, physical battle, technical battle, especially at the net,” said Popov.

Popov was all praise for his opponent, complimenting Leong on his “unplayable” net shots.

“At the net he was unplayable. He defended really well, with unexpected shots. In the first game I had three game points, and then I saved three match points (at 20-17).”

“At 20-18 I wanted to push it and it hit the frame and went into the net, so I was like, why me, why today?

“My dad told me, don’t play his forehand net. Because his net shots, he wanted me to play there, and it was really hard. I just tried to keep him away from the net, that was the main thing.”

Popov said he was looking to regain his momentum after the post-Olympic break.

“After the Olympics, I had a few weeks’ vacation, trained one week, and then played at Hong Kong. Had a super good game against Anthony Ginting, so I’m happy, because I didn’t train. I had a lot of positive things. I knew I couldn’t be in my best shape… slowly I’m warming the machine back, and gaining in confidence and experience.”

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of Play (Round of 16)