PV Sindhu returns to World No. 8, Christo Popov makes history for France in latest BWF rankings
(Courtesy : Badminton Photo)
Christo Popov ended 80-year wait for French men’s singles champion
PV Sindhu has returned to the top eight of the BWF rankings after her runner-up finish at the 2026 French Open, while Christo Popov has become the first French badminton player to achieve the World No. 1 ranking in men’s singles.
The updated rankings, released on Tuesday, reflect two memorable campaigns at the French Open Super 750 in Paris. While Sindhu came close to claiming another major title, Popov made the most of his home advantage to win the men’s singles crown and reach the summit of the world rankings.
PV Sindhu returns to the top eight
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Sindhu climbed three places to World No. 8 in women’s singles following her runner-up finish in Paris. The two-time Olympic medallist has been showing encouraging signs this season, with her latest ranking marking her best position since January 2022.
Her campaign has been particularly encouraging after she won the Japan Open in July, beating Akane Yamaguchi in the final and securing her maiden BWF Super 750 title. The Indian carried that form into the French Open, reaching the final after a series of competitive performances.
In the semi-finals, Sindhu overcame Japan’s Hina Akechi 21-10, 20-22, 21-16 in a hard-fought contest. She then faced reigning World No. 1 An Se Young in Sunday’s final.
Sindhu started strongly, taking the opening game 21-16, but the South Korean raised her level in the remaining two games to win 11-21, 12-21. Despite the defeat, Sindhu’s ability to take a game off one of the most dominant players on the circuit was a positive takeaway from the tournament.
Also Read: French Open 2026: PV Sindhu goes down valiantly in final against World No. 1 An Se Young
The Indian will now look to build on her run as she pursues qualification for the BWF World Tour Finals, scheduled for December 9-13 in Hangzhou.
Among other Indians, Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty climbed a spot each to the 14th and 19th spot respectively, while Ashmita Chaliha also jumped six spots to be ranked 30th in the latest BWF rankings.
Chaliha’s six-places climb in on the back of her quarter-final run at the just-concluded French Open, where she took out former World Champion Akane Yamaguchi in straight games.
Christo Popov becomes first French men’s singles World No. 1
Popov’s achievement marks a historic moment for French badminton. The 24-year-old secured the French Open title on Sunday before moving to World No. 1 in the latest rankings.
Playing in front of his home crowd, Popov defeated Indonesia’s Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah 21-11, 14-21, 21-13 in the final.
The victory was especially sweet after Popov finished runner-up at the same tournament in 2025. He has now gone one step further in front of his home fans, ending an 80-year wait for a French men’s singles champion at the French Open. Henri Pellizza was the previous French winner, in 1946.
His rise to the top of the rankings also highlights France’s growing strength in men’s singles, with compatriot Alex Lanier currently reigning as the men’s singles world champion.
What is PV Sindhu’s current position in latest BWF rankings?
Sindhu is currently ranked World No. 8 in the latest rankings, climbing three places from last week after her run to the final at the 2026 French Open.
What history did Christo Popov make?
Christo Popov has become the first Frenchman to be ranked World No. 1 in men’s singles. He also made history on Sunday by lifting the men’s singles title at the French Open on home turf, becoming the first French winner in 80 years.
Did any other Indian shuttler improve their position in the latest BWF rankings?
Ashmita Chaliha jumped six spots to be ranked 30th in women’s singles while Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty climbed a place each in men’s singles.
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