Jonatan Christie Into Indonesia Open Semifinals After Competitor Withdraws

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jonatan Christie or Jojo will advance to the semifinals of the Indonesia Open 2021 after his opponent in the quarter-finals, Anders Antonsen, withdrew after sustaining injuries. This means Jonathan could potentially face Antonsen's compatriot, Viktor Axelsen, in the semifinals on Saturday.

Axelson will still have to win against India's representative Bhamidipati Sai Praneeth in today’s match.

Citing BWF's official website, Antonsen's withdrawal was due to chest muscle pain. The global 3rd rank badminton player was advised by the medical team not to continue his journey in the Indonesia Open 2021.

Jojo was initially scheduled to face Anders Antonsen in the quarter-finals today. 

The two badminton players had previously met eight times, with Jonathan getting the upper hand in win streaks by bagging five wins while Antonsen had three wins.

The Indonesian athlete last beat Anders Antonsen at the Thomas Cup in Denmark last October. Indonesia met Denmark in the semifinals where Jonathan beat Antonsen in a three-game battle 25-23, 15-21 and 21-16.

Jonatan Christie is the only Indonesian representative left in the men's singles game. Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Tommy Sugiarto had been eliminated from the early rounds while Shesar Hiren Rhustavito withdrew in yesterday's round of 16 due to injury.

Read: Indonesia Open 2021; Jonatan Christie to Compete in Quarter Final Today

FEBRIYAN