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Christo Popov advances to the semi-finals of the Chinese Masters tournament

In the China Open tournament on Friday, Christo Popov, a French tennis player, outplayed Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the world's third-ranked player, who withdrew during the second set. Alex Lanier will vie for a similar accomplishment later in the day, airing on L'Équipe.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 25 . 1:14 PM

2 min read

Christo Popov advances to the semi-finals in the Chinese Masters tournament

Christo Popov advances to the semi-finals of the Chinese Masters tournament

Christo Popov, the world no.10, is one step closer to his first Super 750 final after a dominating quarter-final victory at the China Masters. The Bulgarian star defeated Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the world vice-champion, in a swift 24-minute match with a score of 21-11, 11-4.

Popov took the lead midway through the first set and never looked back. His opponent, Vitidsarn, was not injured but rather exhausted, which may have contributed to the lopsided score.

Popov, who previously won the Hong Kong Open, now has his sights set on the semi-finals. His next opponent is yet to be determined, as the match between Chinese no.11 Weng Hong Yang and Taiwanese no.28 Chou Tien Chen is still to be played. The semi-final match for Popov will take place on Saturday.

Meanwhile, another Frenchman, Alex Lanier (world no.7), is also competing in the China Masters and will play later on Friday. Lanier, the European champion, will face Danish no.2 Anders Antonsen in his match.

The China Masters, a Super 750 tournament, is currently being held in Shenzhen. Popov's victory puts him in contention for a place in the final, which would be a significant achievement for the world no.10.

In the other half of the draw, Popov's potential opponent in the final, Bernard Tomic, will face an opponent yet to be determined in the semifinals on Saturday. Tomic, an Australian, has had a strong tournament so far and will be a formidable opponent for whoever emerges from the other semi-final match.

As the China Masters continues, all eyes will be on Popov and Tomic as they battle for a spot in the final. With Popov's recent form and determination, it promises to be an exciting tournament.