RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s men’s singles shuttler Anthony Sinisuka Ginting admitted he is still struggling to adapt to the tactical shifts of elite opponents after bowing out of the BWF World Tour Super 500 Thailand Open 2026.

Facing world number one Shi Yu Qi of China, Ginting lost in straight games 12–21, 17–21 in the round of 32 in Bangkok, Wednesday, May 13. The defeat extends his difficulties against Shi, who has won 10 of their 13 encounters.

Although Ginting triumphed in their last meeting at the China Open 2024, the Indonesian star has yet to consistently overcome his rival. Returning to competition after more than a year sidelined by injury, Ginting acknowledged the challenge of facing top-tier players.

“When opponents change their strategy, I am not quick or precise enough to anticipate and respond. From today’s match and previous ones, it’s clear there are difficulties when meeting players in the world’s top 20,” he said in a statement released by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), as quoted by Antara.

Despite the early exit, Ginting expressed gratitude for being back on the international stage. “First of all, I give thanks. It wasn’t an easy opponent today, meeting Shi Yu Qi right away,” said the Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist from Cimahi, West Java.

Ginting revealed that he and his coaching team had prepared a game plan, but execution fell short, especially in the opening game. “In the first game I couldn’t bring out my best play. In the second, I kept trying and managed to lead by a few points,” he explained.

Indeed, Ginting held an 11–7 lead at the interval of the second game, but Shi adjusted his tactics and gradually seized control. “I was late in reading his changes, so the momentum I had couldn’t be maintained,” Ginting admitted.

The evaluation is a crucial lesson as Ginting works to regain his peak form. He noted that the challenge lies not only in physical recovery but also in adapting to the pace and pressure of world-class opponents. “There are still things that need improvement,” he concluded.

Indonesia’s hopes in men’s singles now rest on Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo and Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah, who are yet to play their round of 32 matches. Other Indonesian representatives across mixed doubles and additional categories will also compete throughout the day, keeping the nation’s campaign alive at the Thailand Open. ***