Christo Popov wins European badminton title but misses out in doubles decider with brother

HUELVA (SPAIN): (Apr 12) Christo Popov won the men’s final at the European badminton championships before losing the doubles final with his older brother Toma Junior Popov on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Christo Popov claimed his first European singles title by beating two-time champion Anders Antonsen of Denmark 21-12 21-19 in their singles decider, but the Bulgaria-born Popov brothers, who represent 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.

Left-hander Christo had defeated right-hander Toma Junior, his senior by three years, in the semifinals Saturday on his way to the individual title.