The Popov brothers continue to break new ground at the YONEX All England 2026 in Birmingham. Christo and Toma Junior Popov have become a rare sibling pair to play on the show courts side by side, both as partners and individuals.
In the second round, Christo faced former world champion Loh Kean Yew while his brother Toma Junior battled current world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn on the adjacent court. Christo admitted his focus wavered: “My head is not 100 per cent in my match because I am looking at the match of my brother.”
Christo won his singles match 21-12 21-17, while Toma Junior lost 19-21 21-9 21-13. Despite the defeat, the brothers regrouped for men’s doubles, defeating Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi 21-10 15-21 21-19. Toma Junior said: “It is not nice to lose… but I cannot regret anything because I went all in.”
Christo is aiming to win both men’s singles and men’s doubles, a feat not achieved since Erland Kops in 1967. He credited his recovery routine: “I sleep a lot between matches, it helps me recover.” The brothers have played both singles and doubles throughout the tournament, with their physio playing a key role.
Toma Junior emphasised their enjoyment: “It is not about showing them, it is just about enjoying. We have been playing both since we started badminton.” The brothers now face defending champions Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae in the next round.
