April 25, 2026 | 03:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jonatan Christie marked a successful debut as Indonesia’s first singles player, securing a 1–0 lead over Algeria in the opening Group D match of the Thomas Cup 2026 at Forum Horsens, Denmark, on Friday evening local time or early Saturday morning in Indonesia.
Jonatan, widely known as Jojo, delivered a convincing straight-games victory, defeating Algeria’s top singles player Adel Hamek 21–8, 21–6.
“This is my first experience playing the Thomas Cup as the first singles player. Of course, there is responsibility, but I tried my best to deliver my performance,” Jonatan said after the match in a statement from the Indonesian Badminton Association (PP PBSI).
He added that starting the tie with a win was important not only for the scoreline but also for building a positive atmosphere for his teammates.
“What matters most is creating a positive aura and fighting spirit so it can spread to the other players,” he said.
Jonatan also noted that he was still adapting to the court conditions and the shuttlecock, which he said was noticeably faster than usual.
“The shuttlecock speed was quite different today. It’s a bit faster, so we had to find the right patterns,” he explained.
“Because it is faster, we need to take more initiative from the front to keep the opponent under pressure,” he added.
Following Jonatan’s win, Indonesia continued their campaign through Alwi Farhan in the second singles match against Mohamed Abderrahime Belarbi, followed by Anthony Sinisuka Ginting facing Mohamed Abdelaziz Ouchefoun.
In doubles, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri were scheduled to meet Belarbi and Koceila Mammeri, before the tie was concluded by young pair Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin against Adel Hamek and Ouchefoun.
Jonatan’s victory provided an early boost for Indonesia as they aim to secure full points in their Group D opener and maintain momentum in the Thomas Cup campaign.
Read: Indonesia Sweep Algeria 5-0 in Thomas Cup 2026 Group D Opener
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