KUALA LUMPUR: A healthy rivalry with his brother Christo (pic) is keeping French shuttler Toma Popov on his toes.
The 25-year-old Toma, who is four years older than his brother, is relishing the close battles with the latter as both try to climb up the world rankings.
Toma is currently ranked only two rungs above Christo at No. 25 in the world.
Both are currently the top two ranked men’s singles players for France.
Toma and Christo also play together in the men’s doubles.
“I’m having a good rivalry with my brother as we push each other to do better,” said Toma.
“We really motivate and support each other.
“Our main goal is to break into the top 16 and qualify for the Olympics at home in Paris.
“We are also hoping to make the cut in the doubles. We know it’s quite unusual to qualify in both events, so this is a big motivation for us.”
Toma is looking forward to doing better this year after enjoying some positive results in 2023.
He reached the semi-finals of the Opens in Thailand and Hylo, and the Spain Masters. He also won bronze medals in the European Games in the singles and doubles.
“It was a good year for me overall. There were a few times when I came close to beating top five players,” said Toma.
“I need to keep working hard to do even better this year.”
Toma has a tough opening match against Taiwan’s world No. 14 Chou Tien-chen in the Malaysian Open opener today at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
It’s equally difficult for Christo as he plays Japan’s world No. 2 and last year’s runners-up Kodai Naraoka.
In the men’s doubles, the Popov brothers, will play Scotland’s Alexander Dunn-Adam Hall in the first round.
