Kuala Lumpur, May 19 -- India's MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan upset France's Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov in the opening round of the Malaysia Masters 2026 badminton tournament at the Stadium Axiata Arena here on Tuesday.
Arjun-Hariharan, 31st in the men's doubles badminton rankings, stunned the world No. 20 Popov brothers 21-19, 21-15 in 36 minutes to advance to the second round.
The Popovs had their noses ahead for most parts of the opening game. However, the Indian duo, trailing 19-16, picked up five consecutive points to take the lead in the match.
Arjun and Hariharan then completed the victory with a dominant showing in the second game.
It was a statement win for the Indian badminton duo against the Popovs, who have bee...