Jakarta, ThedailyID — Jonatan Christie opened his China Masters 2026 campaign with a straight-games victory over Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao at Shenzhen Arena on Tuesday (September 1).
The Indonesian, competing as the world No. 1 men’s singles player, defeated the world No. 27 Malaysian 21-17, 21-19 in the opening round. The match lasted around 43 minutes, according to CNN Indonesia.
Jonatan initially trailed 0-1 in the first game but quickly took control. He led 11-7 at the interval and extended the advantage to 14-7 before Leong began closing the gap.
Jonatan remained composed through the final points to take the opening game 21-17.
The second game proved considerably more challenging. Jonatan fell behind 0-4 and later 2-7 before gradually recovering and taking a 9-7 lead.
After the interval, he moved ahead 13-10, only for Leong to fight back and take a 16-14 advantage. The Malaysian then moved within two points of victory at 19-16.
Jonatan responded with a crucial comeback, leveling the score at 19-19 before taking the next two points to seal the match 21-19.
The victory marks Jonatan’s first appearance at the China Masters as the world’s top-ranked men’s singles player. The tournament is a BWF Super 750 event.
Jonatan is also Indonesia’s only representative in the men’s singles draw. Indonesia has three other representatives in the tournament, all in men’s doubles: Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin, Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, and Ali Faathir Rayhan/Devin Artha Wahyudi.
The result sends Jonatan into the round of 16, giving the world No. 1 a winning start to his campaign in Shenzhen.
