The Quarter-Finals Of The Indonesia Open 2023 Presents A 'Civil War'. Anthony Ginting Vs Jonatan Christie

Indonesian men's singles, Anthony Ginting. (Photo: Twitter @INABadminton)

JAKARTA Men's singles badminton player Anthony Sinisuka Ginting reached the quarter-finals of the Indonesia Open 2023 dramatically. He had to play three games against India's Priyanshu Rajawat to qualify for the top eight.

Anthony lost in the first game before advancing to the second round with the final score of 20-22, 21-15, and 21-15 at the Istora Senayan Stadium, Jakarta, Thursday, June 15, 2023 evening WIB.

"There are more obstacles in the game strategy, especially in the first game. Meanwhile, in the second and third games I was able to return to my game pattern," said Anthony in a press conference after the match.

This victory made Anthony have to face compatriot Jonatan Christie in the quarter-finals Friday, June 16 tomorrow. Jonathan had previously escaped after burying French representative Toma Junior Popov's hopes.

Clashes between Jonathan and Anthony automatically ensured that Indonesia already had one semifinal ticket in the men's singles. One of the two will meet Kidambi Srikanth (India) or Li Shi Feng (China).

"Certainly tomorrow whoever wins will be for Indonesia. He will definitely want to win. Moreover, this is the Indonesia Open. But, you don't want to focus too much on winning. Tomorrow it will be more interesting," said the 26-year-old athlete from West Java.

Apart from Anthony, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto also got tickets for the quarter-finals. They won against Ren Xiang Yu/Tan Qiang two straight games 21-14 and 21-17.

Fajar/Rian, who are the first seeds, will then meet the seventh seeded Indian pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty. Fajar/Rian temporarily won 2-1.

The only defeat of Fajar/Rian over India's representative has been going on for a long time, namely in 2019 at the Thailand Open. At that time, Fajar/Rian gave up two straight games.

"Last meeting has been a long time. So, there have been many changes. For that, more or less, the video will be released with the team of analysts to find a strategy for tomorrow," said Fajar.

"Tomorrow we can be in the quarter-finals. We want to be better. Especially playing in public. We also haven't won the Indonesia Open. So, hopefully the game will be consistent and better," he added.

In addition to the two pairs above, Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti also added tickets for Indonesia in the quarter-finals after winning over Canadian pair Catherine Choi/Josephine Wu 21-13 and 21-10.

Unfortunately, the women's doubles move Meilysa Trias Puspitasari/Rachel Alllessya Rose had to run aground. They gave up 18-21 and 8-21 against third seed China, Zhang Shu Xian/Zheng Yu.