Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Kiran George Stuns World No. 13 Popov, Enters Hylo Open Quarterfinals
Indian badminton player Kiran George, ranked world No.
38, had a big win against France's Toma Junior Popov, who is ranked 13th in the world.
Kiran won a tough three-game match to reach the quarterfinals of the Hylo Open tournament.
It was a close game, with Kiran showing great determination to come back from behind in the final game.
In the same tournament, other Indian players Lakshya Sen and Rakshitha Ramesh also won their matches to get to their quarterfinals.
Lakshya had an easy win, while Rakshitha also won her match.
Kiran will play another match to try and reach the semifinals.
Kiran George (world No. 38) stunned world No. 13 Toma Junior Popov of France in the Hylo Open.
George won a 69-minute three-game thriller (18-21, 21-18, 21-19) to reach the men's singles quarterfinals.
Lakshya Sen advanced to the men's singles quarterfinals with a win over S Subramanian.
Rakshitha Ramesh secured a spot in the women's singles quarterfinals by defeating Shriyanshi Valishetty.
Ayush Shetty is also set to play his pre-quarterfinal match against former world champion Loh Kean Yew.
- Who
- Kiran George (India), Toma Junior Popov (France), Lakshya Sen (India), Rakshitha Ramesh (India)
- What
- Kiran George defeated world No. 13 Toma Junior Popov to reach the men's singles quarterfinals of the Hylo Open; Lakshya Sen and Rakshitha Ramesh also secured spots in their respective quarterfinals.
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Hylo Open Super 500 badminton tournament in Saarbrucken, Germany
- Why
- Kiran George displayed a gritty performance, nerves of steel, and composure to overcome his higher-ranked opponent. Lakshya Sen and Rakshitha Ramesh won their matches to advance.
- Event
- Hylo Open Super 500 badminton tournament
- Location
- Saarbrucken, Germany
- Date
- Thursday
- Prize Money
- USD 475,000
- Indian Quarterfinalists
- Kiran George, Lakshya Sen, Rakshitha Ramesh, Ayush Shetty (to play)