Toma Junior Popov almost made it!
The Glaz Arena is making noise and all we can hear is the crowd screaming: “Let’s go Tomi let’s go”, when Toma enters on the court. He begins the match very well and quickly leads 7/0. The Indonesian is making errors and at the same time Popov stays strong with his backhand, to be in front at the break (11/4). GINTING manages to get closer on the scoreboard, but the Glaz Arena won’t let him as the atmosphere is getting warmer and warmer. At 14/10, the Indonesian calls a challenge, but the official review confirms the decision: out. A successful challenge for Popov and the score grows at 17/10 Tomi POPOV ends the first set with a smash and takes the reins against world number 2, 21/11.
Second set is more contested. Nobody is able to take a significant advantage, but the Indonesian made one small push to take the lead at the break (11/8). GINTING’s attacks are more decisive, and the French ones starts going off court (12/17). POPOV tries to come back with some good attacks and reduces the score 17/20. The Indonesian wins the second set 21/17 and ties the game.
The last set starts strong for GINTING but POPOV stays close, not ready to give up yet. The crowd is going crazy as they see an opportunity to witness a great achievement. At the break, GINTING leads 11/8. The French plays well but makes mistakes when trying to end the points. 6 consecutive points for Tomi and the Glaz Arena is on fire as the game is tied 19/19. It is not enough for the French Champion who ends up losing, 21/11 17/21 19/21.
Tomi : « I feel better and better on the courts […] I was not far from hitting the world number 2. It’s only positive”.
GINTING will play tomorrow in the quarterfinals against the Chinese LI Shi Feng (n°8).