Tag: Jonatan Christie

乔纳坦·克里斯蒂

Five Handsome Male Badminton Players You’ll Want to Know
If you’re a fan of badminton, you know it’s not just the game that’s exciting—there are also some seriously charismatic players on the court! Here, you’ll discover five of the most handsome and skilled male badminton players who blend athleticism with a dash of star quality. Whether it’s their focused intensity during a match or their confident charm off the court, these players are bound to catch your eye!
1. Viktor Axelsen
Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen is a true star, known for his powerful style and undeniable charisma. At 6’4” with an athletic build and intense blue eyes, Axelsen commands attention on the court. His dedication to the game has brought him countless victories, but it’s his composed demeanor and confidence that make fans around the world admire him even more.
Viktor Axelsen
2. Kento Momota
Kento Momota from Japan brings elegance to the game like no other. His swift, calculated movements and sharp playing style show his mastery of badminton. With his sleek look and natural flair, Momota’s calm, understated charisma wins hearts both in Japan and internationally. You’ll find it hard not to root for him!
Kento Momota
3. Lee Zii Jia
Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia has a playful smile and an electrifying style that make him an instant favorite. Known for his quick reflexes and strong smashes, he brings a certain energy to every match. His charming, down-to-earth personality off the court only adds to his appeal. If you’re looking for a player who combines athleticism with an approachable charm, Lee is your guy!
Lee Zii Jia
4. Anthony Sinisuka Ginting
Anthony Ginting of Indonesia is not only incredibly talented but also has a warm, inviting smile that fans love. His agility and technique on the court make him a true powerhouse, while his friendly demeanor and easygoing style make him someone you can’t help but cheer for. Ginting’s balance of skill and charm make him a standout.
Anthony Sinisuka Ginting
5. Jonatan Christie
Last but certainly not least, Jonatan Christie from Indonesia has been a fan favorite for his powerful plays and charming looks. Known for his friendly personality, Jonatan’s cheerful energy lights up the court. He’s both fierce in his matches and effortlessly likable off the court, making him one of the most admired players today.
Jonatan Christie
These five badminton stars bring not only their top-tier skills but also an undeniable presence that makes badminton even more exciting to watch. So, next time you tune in to a match, keep an eye out for these charismatic athletes—you might just find a new favorite player!
November 1, 2024
Leong Jun Hao Needs to Revive Aggressive Play to Bounce Back
Men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao needs to return to his former attacking style to turn around his recent poor performance in tournaments.
Before the Paris Olympics in August, Jun Hao was in top form, defeating players like Indonesia’s world No. 4 Jonatan Christie, world No. 10 Anthony Ginting, and Taiwan’s No. 9 Chou Tien-chen, reaching consecutive quarter-finals in the Indonesian and Singapore Opens.
However, the 25-year-old’s performance dropped significantly after the Olympics. In all six individual tournaments following the Olympics, including the Arctic and Denmark Opens earlier this month, he suffered early exits. Men’s singles coach K. Yogendran attributes Jun Hao’s recent struggles to a shift towards a defensive style of play.
“Jun Hao’s strength lies in his aggressive game, which allowed him to upset top players like Jonatan and Anthony,” said Yogendran.
“These wins prove that he knows what he needs to do to succeed, but his recent performances haven’t been up to par because he’s been focusing too much on his defensive weaknesses.”
ASTROX 100ZZ Crimson
“In training, he’s been working on his defense but has neglected to maintain his strengths. This has led him to adopt a defensive approach in tournaments, which isn’t the right strategy for him.”
“I’ve discussed this with him, and he understands the need to return to his aggressive style to regain his form,” added Yogendran.
Yogendran also highlighted that the limited training time and recent changes in the coaching structure have posed challenges to implementing his training program.
“The training period is short now, and there are many tournaments, so it’s difficult to make significant adjustments in the training program,” Yogendran explained. “We are trying to refine Jun Hao‘s game as much as possible in the short time available and also aim to improve his footwork and shots.”
Jun Hao, who reached a career-high No. 27 in July, has now dropped to No. 31 due to his recent lackluster performances. He still has a chance to regain his form by the end of the year in the back-to-back Japan Masters (Nov 12-17) and China Masters (Nov 19-24) tournaments.
Leong Jun Hao
October 29, 2024
Lee Zii Jia Still in the Race for World Tour Finals Despite Setback
Men’s singles badminton player Lee Zii Jia (pictured) still has a chance to qualify for the prestigious World Tour Finals, scheduled from December 11 to 15 in Hangzhou, despite missing the Denmark Open due to an ankle injury.
Recently, Lee Zii Jia suffered a major blow when he injured his ankle during his quarterfinal loss to world No. 13 Koki Watanabe of Japan at the Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland.
The 26-year-old player couldn’t shake off the injury and had to withdraw from the Denmark Open in Odense yesterday.
Team LZJ said in a statement, “After arriving in Odense on Sunday, we still hoped and planned for Lee Zii Jia to participate in the Denmark Open despite his ankle injury sustained in the Arctic Open quarterfinal.”
“Lee appeared on court today (yesterday), but discomfort in his ankle prevented him from performing at match-level intensity.
“After further consideration, I am deeply saddened to announce my withdrawal from the Denmark Open.”
This is a double setback for Lee Zii Jia, as he also dropped three places in the latest world rankings, from fourth to seventh.
However, the independent player still has a chance to qualify for the World Tour Finals, as he moved up one spot to fifth in the Hangzhou circuit rankings.
To qualify, Lee Zii Jia must maintain a top-eight position and hopes to regain form while competing in the Japan Masters (November 12–17) and China Masters (November 19–24).
Meanwhile, Leong Jun Hao, currently ranked No. 2 in Malaysia, fell to world No. 30 after losing to Hong Kong’s world No. 15 Lee Cheuk Yiu in the first round of the Arctic Open.
Jun Hao faces a tough task today in the first round of the Denmark Open, where he will meet world No. 3 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia.
With Lee Zii Jia out, Jun Hao remains the sole Malaysian representative in the men’s singles at the Odense event.
Lee Zii Jia
October 16, 2024
Chou Tien Chen Tested for Doping Right After Victory
Chou Tien Chen dominated last week’s Super 500 Arctic Open, claiming his second title of the season, only to be called in for a doping test immediately after.
Chou cruised through the Arctic Open, ultimately defeating Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in the final with a straight-set victory, 21-18, 21-17, securing his second title this season.
This week, Chou Tien Chen continues his busy schedule at the Super 750 Denmark Open. His physiotherapist, Gao Min-Shan (known as “Gao Jie”), shared on social media that “Chou was tested for doping right after arriving at the hotel.” Gao added humorously, “This is a recognition of our efforts.”
World No. 9 Chou Tien Chen will face Wang Tzu Wei in the first round of the Denmark Open, where Chou has claimed victory in all 11 of their past international meetings.
Jonatan Christie
Chou Tien Chen
October 16, 2024
Fei-Din Completes BWF World Tour Series
Goh Tze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani triumphed at the 2024 Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland, becoming one of the rare men’s doubles pairs to complete the BWF World Tour Series.
This accomplishment marks victories across the BWF World Tour Super 300, 500, 750, and 1000 tournaments—a feat that not all top men’s doubles pairs have achieved.
In the Arctic Open (Super 500) final, they defeated top seeds Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen from Denmark, matching the record set by Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Rian Ardianto.
The Malaysian pair has already won the 2022 German Open (Super 300), 2023 US Open (Super 300), 2024 Japan Open (Super 750), and 2024 China Open (Super 1000).
SHB65Z3KME
In the 2024 Arctic Open final at Vantaa Energia Arena, Fei-Din overcame a 15-21 first game loss to beat the Danish pair 21-15, 21-19.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s hopes for a second title at the Arctic Open were dashed when Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah failed to defeat top seeds Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning from China.
The Chinese duo, who had already claimed titles at the Malaysia Open, Indonesia Masters, and Japan Open earlier this year, displayed great composure in the final, winning 21-12 and 21-17 in just under an hour.
China secured a second title in the mixed doubles event with another victory by top seeds Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping.
Ranked No. 3 in the world, Feng/Huang had to battle hard for their victory against fellow Chinese pair Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin, with the intense match lasting over an hour.
Feng/Huang won the first game 21-18 but suffered a 6-21 loss in the second. However, they bounced back to take the third game 21-15, securing the title in front of the Finnish crowd.
Later, second seed Han Yue defeated Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon in the women’s singles final, giving China a third title in Finland.
The defending champion easily won 21-10, 21-13, claiming her title defense in just 39 minutes.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s All England champion Jonatan Christie fell short in the men’s singles final against Chou Tien Chen from Chinese Taipei, ending his hopes of another BWF World Tour title.
Seventh seed Chou defeated fifth seed Jonatan 21-18, 21-17, securing his second BWF World Tour title of the year.
https://whatbadminton.com/goh-se-fei
Nur Izzuddin Rumsani
2024 Arctic Open Finals Results:
- Mixed Doubles:
  Feng Yanzhe / Huang Dongping (China) def. Jiang Zhenbang / Wei Yaxin (China) 21-18, 6-21, 21-15
- Women’s Singles:
  Han Yue (China) def. Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand) 21-10, 21-13
- Men’s Doubles:
  Goh Tze Fei / Nur Izzuddin (Malaysia) def. Kim Astrup / Anders Rasmussen (Denmark) 15-21, 21-15, 21-19
- Women’s Doubles:
  Liu Sheng Shu / Tan Ning (China) def. Pearly Tan / M. Thinaah (Malaysia) 21-12, 21-17
- Men’s Singles:
  Chou Tien Chen (Chinese Taipei) def. Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) 21-18, 21-17
October 15, 2024
Lei Lanxi to Face Axelsen Again Next Week
China Secures 2 Titles and 3 Runner-Ups at the Hong Kong Open
On the evening of September 15, the 2024 China Hong Kong Badminton Open concluded with China’s national team, fielding a partial main lineup, claiming two championships and three runner-up finishes. On September 17, the Chinese team will head to Changzhou, Jiangsu, to compete in the China Open, one of the highest-level and richest prize money events in the BWF World Tour.
Lei Lanxi Falls Short Against Viktor Axelsen in Men’s Singles Final
In the men’s singles final, Chinese player Lei Lanxi, who reached his first BWF Super 500 final, faced off against Denmark’s two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen. The gap in skill between the two was evident, with Lei losing 9-21, 12-21, missing out on his first major tour title. Despite the defeat, Lei’s performance at the Hong Kong Open was commendable, especially his upset victory over Indonesian star Jonatan Christie in the semifinals.
Interestingly, Lei Lanxi’s first-round opponent at the upcoming China Open will be none other than Viktor Axelsen, the No. 2 seed. This means the two will clash twice in three days, and given the current circumstances, Lei will find it challenging to get past Axelsen.
Han Yue Wins Women’s Singles Title, Ending 11-Month Drought
In the women’s singles final, China’s Han Yue took on Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani. Han won in straight sets, 21-18, 21-7, to secure her title and end an 11-month championship drought. Han Yue will face teammate Gao Fangjie in the first round of the China Open.
Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin Claim Mixed Doubles Title
China’s second title came in the mixed doubles event, where Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin defeated their compatriots Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping 2-0. As the third-ranked Chinese mixed doubles team, they upset the second-ranked team to claim the victory. In next week’s China Open, Jiang and Wei will face pairs from Malaysia and Chinese Taipei in the first round.
Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning Disappoint in Women’s Doubles Final
In the women’s doubles final at the Hong Kong Open, Paris Olympic silver medalists Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning struggled and lost 0-2 to Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie/Thinaah Muralitharan. The “Sheng-Tan” pair will have a bye in the first round of the China Open and will begin their campaign in the second round.
Men’s Doubles Remains China’s Weakest Event
Men’s doubles was the only event where no Chinese player made it to the final at the Hong Kong Open, highlighting China’s struggles in this category. However, there is hope as Olympic silver medalists and China’s top men’s doubles pair, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang, will finally return to action after a series of post-Olympic activities and rest. As defending champions, they are the top seeds in the China Open and will face France’s Popov brothers in the first round.
September 18, 2024
Axelsen Aims for Another Triumph Post-Olympics Success
Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen is set to make a highly anticipated return to the men’s singles competition at the Hong Kong Open, which kicks off today.
This will be Axelsen’s first tournament appearance since his triumph at the Paris Olympics, where he successfully defended his gold medal last month.
The world No. 2 has been sharing clips of his training in Hong Kong on social media.
“Finally here in Hong Kong! Feels good to be back,” posted Axelsen, who seemed full of energy while practicing his shots on court.
Axelsen aims to keep up his winning momentum, having already secured his first World Tour title of the year at the Malaysian Masters in May.
Despite a few challenging tournaments before the Olympics, Axelsen once again proved his championship mettle by dominating Thailand’s world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21-11, 21-11 in the final to clinch his second Olympic gold.
On his way to the title, Axelsen also comfortably dispatched Singapore’s 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew and India’s 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Lakshya Sen.
The 30-year-old became the second men’s singles player to defend his Olympic title, following China’s Lin Dan, who accomplished this feat in 2008 and 2012.
Axelsen has not ruled out competing for a record-breaking third gold in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if he can maintain his fitness and form.
In Hong Kong, Axelsen finds himself in the lower half of the draw, with a tricky first-round match against local star Angus Ng Ka Long.
Other top 10 contenders in the same half include Taiwan’s world No. 9 Chou Tien-chen and Indonesia’s world No. 10 Anthony Ginting. A potential quarter-final against Tien-chen and a semi-final clash with Ginting could be in the cards for Axelsen.
With China’s world No. 1 Shi Yuqi withdrawing from the tournament, the top half of the draw is more open, giving Indonesia’s world No. 3 Jonatan Christie and Japan’s world No. 7 Kodai Naraoka a clearer path to the final.
In the absence of Malaysia’s world No. 4 Lee Zii Jia, world No. 29 Leong Jun Hao will carry his country’s hopes. Jun Hao begins his campaign against a qualifier, with a second-round match against China’s Lu Guangzu or Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu awaiting him.
Two other Malaysians, Justin Hoh and independent player Cheam June Wei, have also made it to the main draw from the qualifiers. Justin, making his Super 500 debut, will face Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke in the opening round, while June Wei is set to meet Frenchman Christo Popov.
September 12, 2024
Lee Zii Jia Climbs to World No. 3
Men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia has moved up to No. 3 in the world rankings, closing in on his career-best position of No. 2.
The 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medalist has edged past Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, who has fallen to No. 7 after a challenging few months.
Lee Zii Jia now trails only Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen (No. 2) and China’s Shi Yuqi (No. 1).
He previously held the No. 2 spot in October 2022.
The 26-year-old is set to make his return to competitive play at the China Open in Changzhou from September 17-22, following the Olympics.
Lee Zii Jia
September 11, 2024
Justin Hoh 11-Spot Ranking Rise a Boost Ahead of Tough Denmark Test
Justin Hoh, a men’s singles badminton player, received a timely boost ahead of his first-round match against Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke at today’s Hong Kong Open, as he climbed 11 places in the latest world rankings to reach No. 57.
Justin’s jump in the rankings is well-deserved after reaching his first-ever World Tour Super 300 quarterfinals at the recent Taiwan Open.
The 20-year-old is now closer to his career-high ranking of No. 48, which he achieved last year before an Achilles injury severely hindered his progress.
Justin recovered from his injury last November after an 8-month break but struggled with foot and knee issues until March when he fully regained fitness.
The young player’s ranking had dropped to No. 233 after his injury, but his hard work and determination have helped him steadily climb back up to his current position.
In May, Justin won the Slovenia Open and then the Saipan International in July, finishing as runner-up at the Northern Mariana Open.
He also earned a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup Finals in Chengdu in May with his teammates, and a month later, he made it to the quarterfinals of the Super 100 Taiwan Masters.
Justin will make his debut at a Super 500 event in Hong Kong, facing a tough challenge against Denmark’s world No. 26, Rasmus Gemke.
Despite a valiant effort, Justin ultimately lost 13-21, 21-19, 13-21 to Gemke, whom he had previously faced in the Thomas Cup group stage.
Meanwhile, independent player Lee Zii Jia also saw a ranking boost, climbing one spot to world No. 3.
The Paris Olympics bronze medalist replaced Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, who fell to No. 7.
The 26-year-old will miss the Hong Kong tournament but is expected to return for the China Open from September 17 to 22.
Leong Jun Hao remains at No. 29 and will make his Hong Kong debut today against local qualifier Chan Yin Chak, while independent player Ng Tze Yong jumped from No. 65 to No. 61 and will face France’s world No. 28, Christo Popov.
HOH Justin
September 11, 2024
Hong Kong Open: Tough Start for Christie and Ginting
With the withdrawal of top seed Shi Yuqi, Jonatan Christie faces a challenging start in his title defense at the 2024 Li-Ning Hong Kong Open.
Following the seed withdrawals, Christie is now the top-ranked player in the draw and will face Wang Tzu Wei in the first round. Wang holds a narrow 8-7 lead in their head-to-head encounters, though Christie has won two of their last three matches.
Similarly, Christie’s Indonesian teammate, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, also faces a new opponent—Toma Junior Popov. Six weeks ago, the Frenchman ended Ginting’s 2024 Paris Olympic dream in the group stage.
Last year, Christie became the first Indonesian men’s singles player to stand on the podium since Budi Santoso in 1998.
Withdrawals:
Men’s singles: Li Shi Feng (fourth seed), Lee Chia Hao
Women’s singles: Wang Zhi Yi (second seed), Nozomi Okuhara (eighth seed), Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo
Men’s doubles: Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik (second seeds), Choong Hon Jian/Haikal Muhammad (eighth seeds)
Mixed doubles: Ye Hong Wei/Lee Chia Hsin (fifth seeds), Choong/Go Pei Kee
Promotions:
Men’s singles: Justin Hoh, Cheam June Wei, Jason Gunawan
Women’s singles: Lee Yu-Hsuan, Yu Chien Hui, Pitchamon Opatniputh
Men’s doubles: Huang Di/Zhou Hao Dong, Kim Gi Jung/Kim Sa Rang
Mixed doubles: Wang Chi-Lin/Hsu Yin-Hui, Leong Iok Chong/Ng Weng Chi
Anthony Sinisuka Ginting
Jonatan Christie
September 10, 2024
Viktor Axelsen’s First Comeback Post-Olympics
The Hong Kong Open will kick off from September 10 to 15.
According to the BWF draw for the Hong Kong Open (Super 500), Leong Jun Hao is the only Malaysian men’s singles player to directly qualify for the main draw, while Cheam June Wei and independent player Zhen Junwei must participate in the qualifying rounds.
In the qualifying rounds, Cheam June Wei will face Hong Kong’s Chen Yanzhi in the first match. If he progresses through two rounds, he could potentially face Leong Jun Hao in the main draw’s first round. The winner of their match will meet either Singapore’s 8th seed Loh Kean Yew or Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the next round. Other strong opponents in the top half of the draw include top seed Shi Yuqi, Indonesia’s 3rd seed and defending champion Jonatan Christie, and Japan’s 5th seed Kento Nishimoto.
In the bottom half of the draw, Danish second seed Viktor Axelsen makes his comeback post-Olympics, facing Hong Kong’s Angus Ng in the first round and aiming to advance to the quarterfinals, where he could meet Taipei’s 6th seed Chou Tien-chen. Another anticipated quarterfinal clash in the bottom half is expected to be between 4th seed Li Shifeng and Indonesia’s 7th seed Jonatan Christie.
Chou Tien Chen
https://whatbadminton.com/li-shi-feng/
Jonatan Christie
Viktor Axelsen
Shi Yuqi
Lee Cheuk Yiu
LOH Kean Yew
Kodai Naraoka
https://whatbadminton.com/anthony-sinisuka-ginting/
September 9, 2024
Kevin Cordon Withdraws from the 2024 Paris Olympics Due to Injury
Guatemalan men’s singles player Kevin Cordon has withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Olympic badminton competition due to an injury to his left elbow.
Cordon will not be participating in his remaining Group L matches against Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie (scheduled for Court 2 at 2 PM local time on July 29, 2024) and Belgium’s Julien Carraggi (scheduled for Court 3, “not before” 9:20 AM local time on July 31, 2024).
All matches involving Cordon on these courts have been rescheduled.
According to the general group stage rules of the BWF, all results of Cordon’s matches in Group L, whether completed or pending, will be considered null and void.

July 30, 2024