Malaysia Masters 2023: Jonathan Christie Passes The Dramatical Match, Minions Move Smoothly Into The Second Round

Indonesian men's singles, Jonatan Christie. (Photo: Twitter @INABadminton)

JAKARTA Indonesian men's singles Jonatan Christie successfully defeated Taiwanese representative Chi Yu Jen to reach the second round of the 2023 Malaysia Masters.

Jonathan passed the match for 65 minutes to secure a ticket to the second half through rubber games 16-21, 21-18, and 21-16, at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday, May 24, 2023 evening WIB.

"It's definitely not easy in the first match. We just came from the Sudirman Cup in a different place, so we have to adapt even more. Actually, from the start I got the rhythm and the pattern was only the application of the strategy a little less appropriate," said Jonatan.

"In the second and third games I changed the game more patiently because the opponent is typically tenuous and not easily turned off. In addition, the shuttlecock condition slowly has to play waiting for the right opportunity to enter the attack.

"Indeed, since before leaving, it has been anticipated that it will be quite tiring to go to this Malaysia Masters after the Sudirman Cup. So you must have extra personnel and be smart to maintain your condition," he added.

From the men's singles number, Jonathan is the second representative of Indonesia to reach the round of 16. Previously, Indonesia had secured one ticket through Christian Adinata.

Jonathan's steps were followed by the pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon. The Indonesian mainstay men's doubles won two straight games over representatives of Thailand, Pharanyu Tsumaang/Worddapol Thongsa-Nga, two straight games.

After winning easily 21-11 in the first game, Kevin/Marcus' game became increasingly unstoppable in the second game. The pair nicknamed the Minions won 21-9 in the second game.

Apart from men's singles and doubles, Indonesia's second round ticket also added to the mixed doubles number. The two representatives who qualified for the second round in this number were Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari and Praveen Jordan/Melati Daeva Oktavianti.

The two pairs played as dramatically as many as three games to stop their opponents. Rinov/Pitha qualified for the second half after repatriating Malaysian representatives, Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei.

Praveen/Melati also stopped the Malaysian representatives, namely the fifth seed Goh Soon Huat/Lai Shevon Jemie.

"At the beginning of the first game, I had a chance to touch the game first because this was the first meeting. But I'm sure with my abilities, there is also Rinov who always supports it," Pitha said after the match.

"In the second game I lost focus, many died on their own, especially in the front balls. I was very happy when I finished the match. We were able to get out of pressure and win games that were not easy," he added.