Thomas Cup 2024 Final: This Is A Journey In Jonathan's Heart, Even Though He Won

Jonatan Christie returned the ball from the blow to Chinese player Li Shi Feng in the Thomas Cup final in Chengdu, China, on May 5, 2024. (Between/AFP/Wang Zhao)

JAKARTA - Despite contributing a victory for Indonesia, Jonatan Christie's men's singles regretted the interruption of the referee when he served Li Shi Feng in the third game of the 2024 Thomas Cup final, Sunday.

Drama had occurred on the pitch when the scoreboard showed the number 19-16, when Li refused to receive Jonatan's serve because he felt he was not ready. However, the delay occurred when the Chinese representative had received and returned the shuttlecock from Jonathan with a blow.

Jonathan protested, but tried to make it not affect his appearance in collecting points for Indonesia.

"What I know is that when the shuttlecock was beaten and the opponent hit (back), (then) it was already running. Although maybe the umpire had already told Li Shi Feng to be ready, yes, it should have been when he hit, that means the ball (game) was already running," Jonatan said after the match at the Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, Chengdu, China, as quoted by Antara.

"I don't know what the rules are like. But at that time I tried to just refocus," he said.

Jonathan's rubber game over Li made Indonesia 1-2 out of China. The All England 2024 champion said he was grateful to be able to give points for the Red and White squad.