After Momota, Indonesian Jonatan now eyes Axelsen’s scalp
BRING on Viktor Axelsen!
Giant killer Jonatan Christie of Indonesia is all pumped up for another big scalp when he faces former Danish world champion Axelsen in the men’s singles quarter-final today – a day after dumping world No. 1 and reigning world champion Kento Momota of Japan.
Asian Games champion Jonatan delivered one of the best performances of his career when he packed off Momota 22-20, 21-15 in 46 minutes yesterday.
He showed nerves of steel by saving three game points to win the decisive first game to wrest control of the match.
With the scores tied at 12-12 in the second game, several mistakes by Momota allowed Jonatan to take a six point lead at 18-12 and there was no turning back after that.
“He (Momota) is also the reigning Allengland champion, so it was not easy to beat him. I took my chances well and was playing with nothing to lose but he was under pressure,” said Jonatan.
“I took advantage of that situation and managed to play a good strategic game.”
The 21-year-old, who is now ranked world No. 10, has been tipped to be a future star.
“I’ve never thought of myself that way yet, that is more of the perception from the public and badminton fans,” said a modest Jonatan.
“My only thought now is to find ways to improve and play better every time I’m on the court.
The former world No. 1 Axelsen, who defeated China’s Lu Guangzu 21-11, 16-21,
He (Momota) is the reigning All-England champion, so it was not easy to beat him. I took my chances well and was playing with nothing to lose.
Jonatan Christie
21-17 in the second round yesterday, is hungry for his first Malaysian title.
He has been rejuvenated since he returned in January from a recurring ankle injury and asthma problem that saw him take two months off to recover in November and December.
Since then, he reached the semi-finals of the Malaysian and Indonesian Masters, finished runner-up at the All-England, won the Spain Masters and Indian Open titles.
“It’s always mentally tough to play backto-back tournaments. I won the Indian Open but I’m still hungry for more. I’m pleased to enter the quarter-finals here,” said Axelsen.
When asked if the exit of Momota has made the pathway easier for him for another title, he replied, “I haven’t really thought about that because I could have easily lost today. It’s going to be tough against Christie as he has defeated Momota.”