Shi Yu Qi defeats Christo Popov to advance to Japan Open 2025 final

Shi Yu Qi displayed masterful gameplay to secure his Japan Open 2025 final ticket after defeating French representative Christo Popov at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

The world number three player — needed 67 minutes to complete the match with a score of 21-12, 28-26 against his opponent who ranks 16th in the world.

Shi Yu Qi‘s dominance was evident from the start — managing to collect six consecutive points that made it difficult for Popov to match his gameplay.

Entering the interval with an 11-6 lead, the Chinese player — grew more confident in executing his strategy until successfully closing the first game with a decisive victory.