Jonathan Christie: Winning In Switzerland After Recovery From COVID-19 In Germany

Jonatan Christie, was able to win the Swiss Open badminton tournament after previously being exposed to COVID-19 at the German Open. (PBSI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian badminton player Jonatan Christie won the men's singles at the Swiss Open 2022 after defeating India's Prannoy HS in two straight games, 21-12, 21-18, in the final in Basel, Sunday, the BWF official website reported.

This is a special achievement for Jojo, Jonathan's nickname. Almost two weeks ago, this player who was born in Jakarta on 15 September 1997 was exposed to COVID-19 while competing at the German Open.

"After what happened in Germany, I have COVID, now I can go to the final, it's amazing," said Jojo, after reaching the final as quoted from the PBSI website.

Jonatan ended Indonesia's drought in the men's singles at the Swiss Open since 2002, after Marleve Mainaky was the best in the badminton championship, which is now included in the BWF Super 300 class.

Status as the fourth seed, Jonathan was left behind in the early half of the first game after throwing away a 4-1 advantage to be 5-7 down from Prannoy.

The world number eight badminton player did not want to lose and tried to catch up. Points by points were collected and a turning point occurred when the score was tied at 8-8, locking the advantage and continuing to stay away from Prannoy's points.

Jonathan, who was originally 13-10 ahead, skyrocketed by scoring seven points without reply to lead 20-10 on the verge of winning the first game. Prannoy had added two more points, but Jonathan was finally unstoppable taking points in the first game 21-12.

The second game presented a different challenge for Jonathan because his opponent, who is ranked 28th in the world, played more aggressively and continued to follow the points tally.

Prannoy even had two times to balance Jonathan 7-7 and 13-13 before Jonatan Christie found the patience and perseverance to outsmart his opponent's attack to win the second game 21-18 and finish the match in 48 minutes.