Sibling duos catch eyes in badminton doubles competition

PARIS: The excitement was palpable as Kerry Xu, a first-time Olympian in the U.S. women’s badminton doubles team, stepped onto the court at the Paris Olympics.

“With the music and all the hype, I was on the verge of tears,” she recalled, describing the moment that she realized her Olympic dream alongside her best friend and twin sister, Annie Xu.

“We are always on the same wavelength,” Annie noted, highlighting their unique synergy on the court. “Whether we’re excited or nervous, we feed off each other’s energy.” The Paris Olympics also showcased other sibling duos in the badminton doubles event, including France’s Toma Junior Popov and his younger brother, Christo Popov.

Competing at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, the Popov brothers, with Toma Junior’s height and strength complementing Christo’s left-handed finesse, demonstrated their deep family bond and shared passion for the sport.

The Popov brothers are not only teammates in doubles but also competitors in singles, with Toma Junior securing France’s sole spot in the men’s singles event. “Playing doubles with my brother is an unforgettable experience,” Christo said, emphasizing the unique dynamic of their partnership.

In their final group tournament on Tuesday, the Xu sisters faced off against Bulgaria’s Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva, another sister pair known for their strong connection on the court.