RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan may have fallen short in the quarterfinals of the Japan Open 2026, but his three‑game battle against home favorite Kodai Naraoka turned into a test of resilience and self‑belief.

The 19‑year‑old shuttler fought through cramps, fatigue, and moments of doubt before bowing out 18‑21, 22‑20, 18‑21 in Tokyo on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Despite the defeat, Alwi emphasized the importance of the experience. “I am grateful because today I fought as hard as I could until the end. I didn’t let my opponent win easily, and I refused to give up even though the result was a loss,” he said in a statement released by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), as quoted by Antara.

After losing the opening game, Alwi clawed back in the second with a determined 22‑20 win, forcing a decider. The third game saw him struggle with thigh cramps while Kodai, buoyed by home crowd support, pressed harder.

“It wasn’t easy to beat Kodai today. With the support of the home crowd, he played with extra energy that put me under pressure. In the third game I experience some cramping in my thigh, but I’m sure he was also dealing with fatigue. That difference in experience was what set this match apart,” said Alwi.

For Alwi, the match was less about the scoreline and more about overcoming internal battles. “It was a good match, and I look forward to meeting him again. I learned a lot about fighting myself--against doubt, against tiredness, and against all the conditions on court. I will come back stronger,” he concluded.

Although his run ended in the quarterfinals, Alwi had earlier impressed by defeating Kenta Nishimoto and seventh seed Alex Lanier of France. His spirited performance against Naraoka, even in defeat, underscored his growing maturity and resilience as he continues to build his career on the world stage. ***