Shesar Withdraws Due To Calf Injury Against Momota, Indonesian Men's Singles Only Leaves Jonathan Christie At Malaysia Open

Shesar Hiren Rhustavito injured calf (Photo: PBSI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian men's singles player Shesar Hiren Rhustavito had bad luck, who suffered a calf muscle injury while competing against world number two Kento Momota in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Open, Friday.

Based on the narrative of the men's singles coach of Pelatnas Cipayung, Irwansyah, currently Shesar is still being treated by doctors to further examine how severe the injury was against the Japanese badminton player.

"Currently Vito is still being examined further. The doctor said there may be a tear in the right calf muscle. We hope that nothing is serious," said Irwansyah as quoted by Antara.

Before leaving to the sidelines, Shesar was competing with Momota in the first game which had only been running for 13 minutes. Shesar, trailing 6-13 to his opponent, attempted to return a slow drive that came from the center of the net.

However, the shot that should have been returned easily was just left by Shesar, who at that moment immediately limped and then sat in the middle of the field.

Seeing this condition, the coach immediately asked the medical team for help to check the condition of his protege.

"Earlier, there was a wrong movement when trying to return the ball from Momota," said Irwansyah about the alleged cause of Shesar's injury.

With Shesar's resignation, the Indonesian men's singles sector only leaves Jonathan Christie who advances to the semifinals. Meanwhile, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting was also stopped in the quarter-finals after being defeated by the world number one, Viktor Axelsen.

Jonathan's meeting with the Tokyo Olympic champion is sure to be an uphill battle.

"I'm quite looking forward to meeting him, after the last game happened last year. We know he is one of the best at the moment, it can be seen from what he has achieved in the last few years. Hopefully I can show better than today," Jonathan said.