Hong Kong Open 2024: Jonathan Follows Ginting

JAKARTA Jonatan Christie's men's singles reached the second round of the Hong Kong Open 2024 to follow in the footsteps of his colleague, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting.

The 2018 Asian Games gold medalist qualified after winning over China Taipei's singles, Wang Tzu Wei, two straight games 21-7 and 21-10 at Hong Kong Coliseum on Wednesday, August 11, 2024, evening WIB.

The Hong Kong Open 2024 is Jonathan's first tournament after his last appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. After that, he had to miss Japan and the 2024 Korea Open to accompany his wife to give birth to her first child.

"It feels mixed to be able to return to the field after the 2024 Olympics with the birth of the first child too. I want to try again and start again something new and enjoy every game," said Jonathan.

Jonathan, who was present as the third seed in this tournament, will then face the Danish men's singles, Rasmus Gemke.

The duel will be their fifth clash. In the previous four duels, Jonathan dominated with a 3-1 win-goal record.

"Hopefully tomorrow in the round of 16 my game will be better," said the 26-year-old badminton player.

Indonesia actually has three men's singles participating in this Super 500 BWF level event. Another men's singles is Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo.

However, Chico had already packed the suitcase early in the first half. The badminton player from Papua failed to follow in the steps of his two colleagues after giving up 20-22 and 17-21 against Jamsri's advice from Thailand.