2026 German Open: Christo Popov and Li Shifeng Headline Men’s Singles Draw
MÜLHEIM AN DER RUHR – The draw for the 2026 German Open (Super 300) has been released, setting the stage for an exciting week of badminton at the Westenergie Sporthalle. With top seeds Christo Popov (France) and Li Shifeng (China) anchoring the bracket, fans can expect a mix of European power and Asian technical mastery.
Here is the section-by-section analysis of the Men’s Singles draw.
Top Half: Popov’s Path and the “Group of Death”
Section 1: The European Favorite
Top seed Christo Popov enters the tournament as the man to beat. However, he faces a tricky opening test against India’s Kiran George, a player capable of upsets on his day.
- Key Matchup: [1] Christo Popov vs. Kiran George.
- Projected Round 2: The winner will face either Belgium’s Julien Carraggi or Jason Gunawan (Hong Kong China), both solid tour regulars.
- Quarterfinal Outlook: In the bottom of this section, [7] Lu Guangzu (China) takes on Su Li-yang (Chinese Taipei). If seeds hold, we could see a Popov vs. Lu quarterfinal—a clash of styles between Popov’s lefty attack and Lu’s steady baseline game.
Section 2: The Dangerous Mid-Card
This section is loaded with talent. Fourth seed Lin Chun-yi (Chinese Taipei), known as “The Lefty Bomber,” opens against Huang.
- The Wildcard Factor: All eyes will be on the match involving Srikanth Kidambi. The Indian veteran, listed here against a Qualifier (Q2), is a former World No. 1. If he finds his rhythm, he could dismantle the bracket.
- The Seed to Watch: [5] Weng Hongyang (China) faces Finland’s own Joakim Oldorff, while local wildcard Matthias Kicklitz will look to use home-court advantage against Kalle Koljonen (Finland).
- Projected QF: Lin Chun-yi vs. Weng Hongyang is the expected blockbuster here.
Bottom Half: Chou Tien-Chen’s Fortress and Li Shifeng’s Return
Section 3: The Taiwanese Stranglehold
The third quarter is dominated by players from Chinese Taipei. Veteran [3] Chou Tien-chen anchors this section, facing Nhat Nguyen (Ireland) in the first round—a potentially gritty 3-game battle.
- First Round Clash: [8] Chi Yu-jen vs. Leong Jun Hao, a very tough opening round.
- Dark Horse: Lee Chia-hao (Chinese Taipei) is lurking; he plays a qualifier (Q3) and could trouble the seeds if he advances. Lee Chia-hao is a finalist at the 2025 All England Open.
Section 4: The Bottom Bracket
Second seed Li Shifeng (China) props up the draw. After a strong 2025 season, he will look to dominate a section that includes the elder Popov brother.
- Popov Jr vs. Sr Potential: [6] Toma Junior Popov (France) opens against Croatia’s Aria Dinata.
- The Closer: Li Shifeng faces a Qualifier (Q1) in the first round. His path looks relatively clear until the quarterfinals, where he is projected to meet Toma Junior Popov.
Projected Quarterfinals (If Seeds Hold)
- Christo Popov [1] vs. Lu Guangzu [7]
- Lin Chun-yi [4] vs. Weng Hongyang [5]
- Chou Tien-chen [3] vs. Chi Yu-jen [8]
- Li Shifeng [2] vs. Toma Junior Popov [6]
First Round Matches to Watch
- Christo Popov vs. Kiran George: Can the Indian shuttler catch the top seed cold in the first round?
- Weng Hongyang vs. Justin Oldorff: A massive test for the German local against one of China’s best left-handers.
- Srikanth Kidambi vs. Q2: A chance to see a legend try to climb back up the rankings.
Summary Table: The Seeds
| Seed | Player | Nation | Notable Threat in Section |
| 1 | Christo Popov | FRA | Kiran George (R1) |
| 2 | Li Shifeng | CHN | Toma Junior Popov (QF) |
| 3 | Chou Tien-chen | TPE | Nhat Nguyen (R1) |
| 4 | Lin Chun-yi | TPE | Srikanth Kidambi (R2 potential) |
| 5 | Weng Hongyang | CHN | Lin Chun-yi (QF) |
| 6 | Toma Junior Popov | FRA | Li Shifeng (QF) |
| 7 | Lu Guangzu | CHN | Christo Popov (QF) |
| 8 | Chi Yu-jen | TPE | Leong Jun Hao (R1) |
