2024 BAC Results: Jonatan Christie Tembus Semifinals

Men's singles badminton player Jonatan Christie / DOK. PBSI

JAKARTA The men's singles badminton player Jonatan Christie qualified for the semifinals of the 2024 Badminton Asia Championship (BAC).

The third seed extended his journey in the tournament thanks to the victory of two straight games 21-11 and 21-6 over Malaysia's singles Lee Zii Jia, Friday, April 12 evening WIB.

"Praise God, I was able to win over Lee Zii Jia. This is not an easy match," Jonatan said after the match in a statement received.

This victory made Jonathan end the previous five consecutive defeats against Lee Zii Jia while equaling the winning record to 5-5.

Jonathan said that the implementation of a strategy that went well and was calm made him able to play more calmly. On the other hand, his opponent is less calm and makes many mistakes on his own.

"As I said yesterday, I lost the last five meetings with a far score. However, I have also learned from that defeat," said Jonathan.

In tomorrow's semifinals, Jonathan will meet host Shi Yuqi, who eliminated Thai ambassador Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

Jonathan and Shi Yuqi have met 13 times in previous competitive events. Of that number, Jonathan narrowly won 7-6.

'Lawan Shi Yuqi in the semifinals tomorrow will definitely not be easy. Playing at home with a lot of people, it will definitely make the match not easy,' said Jonathan.

Previously, Indonesia had lost one representative, namely Gregoria Mariska Tunjung. The 2017 junior world champion failed to reach the semifinals after being beaten by Chen Yufei.