China Open 2024: Jonathan Beautifies Popov's Opposite Record

JAKARTA Jonathan Christie managed to beautify his unbeaten record against Toma Junior Popov for a ticket to the quarter-finals of the China Open 2024.

The record was maintained after Jonathan rose from the loss of the first game to secure the rubber games 16-21, 21-18, and 22-20 at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium on Thursday, September 19, 2024, evening WIB.

"I have to really pay attention to the wind-loss conditions again because it will affect the game strategy," said Jonathan after the match.

In the first game, Jonathan actually had a far-reaching lead over his opponent with a gap of five points 8-3. However, the points began to stall so that the opponent chased back and then won.

Jonathan then rose in the second game brilliantly. Toma only had the opportunity to identify the score once in the first two points.

During the deciding game, Jonathan had a good moment before the interval, but he fell behind during the break. The opponent after that even got above the wind before the situation changed.

"After the interval I was still not calm, but slowly got back to control the situation. I had lost focus too, but there were still opportunities that had not been wasted. So, trying to focus again to win the match," said Jojo.

The positive victory was Jonathan's fourth win over Popov. The previous three wins occurred at the 2022 World Championships and the 2022 World Championships and the Indonesia Open 2024.

Jonathan will meet the rising host's singles, Lei Lan Xi, in the quarter-finals, Friday, September 20, 2024.

Lei Lan Xi previously repatriated the second seed and former world number one, Viktor Axelsen.

He then reached the quarter-finals after facing Japanese champion Kenta Nishimoto in a two-game straight match.

The duel will be the second clash between Lei and Jonathan. In their first meeting in the semifinals of the Hong Kong Open 2024 last week, he forced Jojo home early after going through a three-game match.