Jonatan Christie Turns Early Nerves into Valuable Lessons at World Championships
- 19 Agt 2026 20:20 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Indonesian men's singles shuttler Jonatan Christie advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 BWF World Championships.
- Jonatan Christie overcame early match tension and strategy uncertainty after dropping the opening game.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia’s men’s singles shuttler Jonatan Christie admitted that nerves nearly cost him in the opening stages, but he managed to turn the experience into a learning process as he advanced to the round of 16 at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The third seed overcame Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh in three games, 19–21, 21–19, 21–11.
“At the start I was too tense, a bit panicked, and lacked confidence in applying the strategy we had prepared. The game became uncertain until midway through the first set,” Jonatan said in a statement released by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), as quoted by Antara.
After dropping the opener, Jonatan regained control in the second game, leading 20–14 before Jason fought back with five straight points. Jonatan eventually sealed the set 21–19.
“I thought he would let go of the second game, but he kept pushing and changed his pattern. I panicked for a moment, but was lucky to finish it,” he admitted.
In the decider, Jonatan read his opponent’s play more effectively and dominated to close out the match 21–11. The 28‑year‑old reflected that each contest presents unique challenges. “Badminton is not like mathematics. What you learn from one match doesn’t always apply to the next. Situations vary, from conditions to feelings on court,” he explained.
Jonatan emphasized that he continues to enjoy the process of adapting and learning. “Every match is a lesson because there’s always something new to take away. That’s the process I still enjoy every day,” he concluded. ***
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