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Popov, Gilmour, and Lane-Vendy Claim First European Badminton Gold in Huelva

The Carolina Marín Palace in Huelva witnessed the inaugural European gold medals for Christo Popov, Kirsty Gilmour, and the duo Lane-Vendy.

Generic image of a badminton shuttlecock on the court.
IA

Generic image of a badminton shuttlecock on the court.

The European Badminton Championships in Huelva concluded with the crowning of new champions, highlighted by the first gold medals for Christo Popov, Kirsty Gilmour, and the pair Ben Lane and Sean Vendy, during a day that also paid tribute to local legend Carolina Marín.

The Carolina Marín Palace in Huelva was the venue where France's Christo Popov and Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour secured their first individual European titles this Sunday. They were joined by the English pair Ben Lane and Sean Vendy, who also claimed their inaugural continental gold in the men's doubles category.
In the men's singles final, Christo Popov defeated Denmark's Anders Antonsen, a two-time continental champion, with a score of 21-12, 21-19 in 52 minutes. The bronze medals in this category went to French players Toma Junior Popov and Arnaud Merkle.
Meanwhile, Kirsty Gilmour, after five previous runner-up finishes, finally achieved gold in the women's final. She overcame Denmark's Line Kjaersfeldt 21-17, 21-15 in 46 minutes. Gilmour received the silver caravel trophy, a symbol of Huelva, from Carolina Marín herself. Bronze medals were awarded to Turkey's Neslihan Arin and Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt.
In the men's doubles competition, Ben Lane and Sean Vendy, who had won European bronze in 2022, secured their first continental title by defeating brothers Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov 21-15, 21-16 in 36 minutes. This result prevented Christo Popov from achieving a double gold in both modalities. Bronze medals went to England's Alex Green and Zach Russ, and Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard.
Saturday's events also saw sisters Gabriela Stoeva and Stefani Stoeva win their fifth women's doubles title, while in mixed doubles, Denmark's Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Boje earned their first medal together. The seven-day event in Huelva culminated with an emotional tribute to Carolina Marín, whose jersey was raised amidst a standing ovation from the public.