RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia’s rising star Alwi Farhan stunned the world No. 1 shuttler Shi Yu Qi to reach the quarterfinals of the Singapore Open 2026, prevailing in a gripping three-game battle at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Thursday, May 28.

The 21-year-old sealed victory 21–16, 19–21, 21–14 after 75 minutes of intense play, marking one of the biggest wins of his career.

“Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful for the support in tough times. I’m happy and proud to gain this experience against the world’s top-ranked player,” Alwi said afterward.

Despite the triumph, Alwi stressed the importance of staying focused, noting that the Super 750 tournament still has a long road ahead. “The journey isn’t over. There are more crucial rounds to come. Beating Shi Yu Qi is special, but I must keep my focus and continue this path,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his struggles at the recent Thomas Cup, Alwi described the setback as a valuable lesson. “That period was tough, but it taught me to fight fear and anxiety. I believe God always prepares a better plan, and I must accept it with maturity,” he explained.

On court, Alwi started strong, taking the first-game interval and maintaining control despite pressure from Shi. The second game was fiercely contested, with both players trading points until Shi pulled away to level the match.

The decider proved decisive. Locked at 12–12, Alwi unleashed a brilliant run of six consecutive points to break free and close out the match.

“I knew Shi would push hard even when I was ahead. He often looks exhausted, but that’s part of his style to lure opponents. The wind conditions were also tricky,” Alwi said.

“From past experiences, I’ve learned that wanting to win too badly can lead to mistakes. After losing the second game, I calmed myself, refocused, and reminded myself the match wasn’t over. That gave me the chance to finish strong,” he added. (Diva Rifdah)