Jonathan Christie Reaches 2024 Asian Badminton Championship Final After Beating Shi Yu Qi

Indonesian men's singles Jonatan Christie while competing in the last 16 of the 2024 Asian Badminton Championship (BAC) in Ningbo, China, Thursday (11/4/2024). (Between/HO/PP PBSI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian men's singles Jonatan Christie advanced to the final round of the 2024 Asian Badminton Championship (BAC) in Ningbo, China, after defeating first seed Shi Yu Qi, Saturday.

Jonathan won over Shi in the semifinals through a tight rubber game 18-21, 21-19, 21-12.

The men's singles who came down as the third seed said one of the keys to his victory today was that he could enjoy the game even though he was very full of pressure from the opponent.

"All thanks to God's help that allows me to play well. Being able to play with pleasure, can get out of the pressure and be happy to be sure with this victory," said Jonathan, quoted from a brief statement from PP PBSI as reported by Antara.

Talking about the course of the last four matches, in the first game, Jonathan admitted that he was not calm when playing, especially at crucial moments where he had won 18-17.

"On the final points I was not calm enough. The use of the strategy and the blow was out of sync. In the first game and the second game at the end, a little missed there," said the 2024 All England Open champion.

Furthermore, in the second game when Jonathan was 18-10, it was not because he lost focus. However, Jonathan assessed that Shi was able to play much more neatly.

"The defense is closer too. So that several times I can't wait or the return will be held accountable," he said.

Furthermore, Jonathan said that in the third game he then tried his best by reducing his own mistakes.

"I also put more pressure on the opponent so that the opponent is also depressed. This strategy is successful," he said.

The 2023 French Open champion admitted that he did not burden himself as the only Indonesian representative remaining in the 2024 BAC top four parties.

"As the only Indonesian representative in the semifinals, I'm just trying to reduce thoughts like that. It's a lie that I'm not burdened. However, I'm just trying to reduce that so it doesn't interfere with appearances," said Jonathan.

The 2018 Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang gold medalist is also determined to perform optimally in the top party tomorrow. Not to forget, he asked for prayers and support from badminton fans in Indonesia.

"Obviously I wish the best to appear in the final. Whatever the result, I have done as much as I can," said Jonathan.

"And ask for prayers and support from friends, from the people of Indonesia, supporters who love Indonesian badminton. Hopefully tomorrow we can produce the best," he added.