Malaysia Open 2026: Jonatan Advances to Quarterfinals

JAKARTA - Men's singles badminton player Jonatan Christie managed to beat the host representative Leong Jun Hao to secure a ticket to the quarterfinal of the 2026 Malaysia Open.

Jonatan, who is the fourth seed in the tournament, extended his journey in the two-game match 21-18 and 21-11 on Thursday, January 8, 2026, afternoon WIB.

"The last match was lost with a less calm game, a game that was too rushed. Today I tried to control the course of the match, control myself as well to be calmer, more patient. I think it was quite successful," said Jonatan after the match.

The latest victory makes Jonatan equal Leong's win-loss record to 3-3. Previously last year when they clashed in the second round of the Singapore Open, Jonatan suffered a two-game loss.

Jonatan said that playing against the host representative did put pressure on him. However, he could try to be as calm as possible to enjoy the match.

"After all, he should be the one who is more stressed because he is playing at home and the connotation is 'he has to play well or he has to win, so instead I play without burden. I play as easy as possible and try to enjoy it," he said.

Jonatan is the only Indonesian male singles left in this tournament. He came down with Alwi Farhan, who had returned early in the first round after losing to Alex Lanier from France.