Christo Popov vs Lei, Lan Xi

Christo Popov faces Lei Lan Xi in the Japan Open singles on Thursday, with the Frenchman slightly favored in this international badminton clash. The average moneyline odds from 60 bookmakers place Popov at 1.59, while Lei sits at 2.16, reflecting a competitive but not overwhelming edge for the higher-ranked player. Both athletes have shown strong form recently, making this an intriguing matchup with potential for a tight contest.

Popov’s aggressive style and experience in high-level tournaments give him a slight advantage, but Lei’s consistency and tactical play could challenge that narrative. With odds suggesting a closer battle than the rankings might imply, this match could hinge on small margins in speed and shot selection. Fans can expect a fast-paced encounter with plenty of rallies.