In a stunning upset, France’s Christo Popov has claimed victory at the 2025 BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, defeating world number one Shi Yu Qi in straight games (21-19, 21-9). The win marks a historic first for France in the prestigious tournament, which draws the season’s top eight players in each discipline [[1]]. Popov’s dominant performance caps off a breakthrough year for the 23-year-old, adding to his already notable collection of three French national championships [[2]].
Christo POPOV (n°8) has made history, becoming the first French player to win the BWF World Tour Finals! The impressive performance throughout the week culminated in a dominant victory over world number one SHI Yu Qi (China), with a score of 21/19, 21/9, securing the biggest title of his career.
Published: 21/12/2025
Christo POPOV completed a remarkable run to the championship, overcoming a formidable challenge in the final against reigning World Champion and top-ranked SHI Yu QI of China. The BWF World Tour Finals represent one of the most prestigious events on the badminton calendar, bringing together the season’s top performers.
The first game was a tense affair, with both players battling fiercely before POPOV edged out a 21/19 victory. However, the second game quickly swung in the Frenchman’s favor. POPOV took control, leaving SHI Yu Qi struggling to respond as he extended his lead to 14/9. He continued his momentum, closing out the match with a decisive 21/9 scoreline. The win marks a career high for POPOV and a historic first for French badminton.
This title is the culmination of a stellar week and an outstanding season for the French star, who now heads into 2026 with renewed confidence.
“Week incredible!” Christo POPOV said after the match. “If someone had told me before I left that I was going to win, it would have been almost unbelievable. Day after day it was super complicated, it took a lot of mental and physical energy to get through all those group matches, already in three sets, and then the semi-final and the final. In the final today, the first set was very complicated, the second went in one direction but it was hard for me to get to all the shuttles. I’m very happy to have been able to pull it off, in China, in the country of badminton, no less. I hope to get some rest now. We’re starting a season with a lot of confidence. This title is one I earn, but it also belongs to the whole team around me and to France. It was great to receive so much encouragement, it warms my heart. It’s great for France, I’m very happy.”
