After All England, Jonathan Christie Becomes Again Champion In BAC 2024

Jonathan Christie in the semifinals of the 2024 Asian Badminton Championship (BAC) in Ningbo, China (ANTARA/HO/PP PBSI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian men's singles Jonatan Christie won the 2024 Asian Badminton Championship (BAC) after beating Li Shi Feng's representative through straight games: 21-15, 21-16, Sunday 14 April at Ningbo, China.

The first game was quite tough, with the two players giving each other a surprising variety of attacks to get points. The margin of points between the two was not far apart, especially at the start of the first game.

Jonathan's effective attack then took him temporarily ahead 15-10, but Li was able to catch up quickly and hit four points in a row until almost 15-14.

The champion of the All England Open 2024 did not fall under pressure and continued to build confidence in him on the field. This can be seen from Jonathan, who is increasingly in control of the game solidly, and does not let Li catch up from a score of 14.

The third seed also seemed convinced when applying for a challenge twice, when the linesman declared the ball out. However, the two challenges managed to score points for Jonathan.

Jonathan's first matchpoint won with a score of 20-14, and he closed the first game with a score of 21-15.

The second game started with a long rally which was finally won by the Indonesian representatives. However, the fifth-seeded host representative began to chase and the score was tight again between the two players.

In the midst of the competition, Li seems to be starting to play impatient and make some beneficial mistakes for Jonathan himself. Jonathan won the second game interval 11-5.

Jonathan returned to playing tactically but also calmly. The varied speed and hard smashes have also proven to be the world's fifth-ranked men's singles flagship weapon, making it difficult for Li to develop her game.

A far-reaching 14-7 champion, the 2023 French Open champion still maintains his playing pattern. Although Li began to add two points in a row, calm brought Jonathan to remain confident. The opponent also began to look impatient to collect points at this crucial moment.

Li began to slowly chase and get four points in a row, putting pressure on Jonathan, who was then in a narrow 18-15 lead.

The second matchpoint game was won by Jonathan with a score of 20-16 through defense and return of the ball which made it difficult for Li. Jojo finally won the second game after the opponent's ball was declared off the line with a score of 21-16.

With Jonathan's victory today, the Indonesian men's singles came out as champions to defend at the Asian Championships, after last year's edition, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, who won the title.