Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia trails China 0-1 in the badminton team final at the 2026 Asian Games after Jonatan Christie lost to Shi Yuqi.
Shi Yuqi won the opening singles match 21-13, 21-18. The result gave China an early advantage in the team final.
Shi Yuqi immediately controlled the first game. He opened with five straight points to lead 5-0 against Jonatan.
Jonatan then stopped the run with a successful drop shot. However, Shi Yuqi continued to control the pace and led 11-5 at the interval.
Jonatan tried to close the gap after the break. He reduced the deficit to four points at 9-13.
Shi Yuqi responded with another strong run. He eventually took the first game 21-13.
Jonatan made a stronger start in the second game. He led 3-0 before Shi Yuqi fought back and tied the score at 4-4.
The two players then traded points at 5-5. A powerful smash gave Shi Yuqi a 7-6 lead.
Jonatan responded with four consecutive points. He moved ahead 10-7 and reached the interval with an 11-7 advantage after another deceptive shot.
Shi Yuqi quickly cut into the lead after the break. However, Jonatan continued to maintain a three-point advantage at 14-11.
The momentum then shifted. Shi Yuqi scored three straight points to make it 14-14 before moving ahead 15-14.
Shi Yuqi continued to attack with powerful smashes. He extended his lead to 17-14.
Jonatan stopped the run with a successful return. He then took the next two points to level the score at 17-17.
However, Jonatan’s next smash went wide. Shi Yuqi regained the lead at 18-17 and moved to 19-17 with another powerful smash.
Shi Yuqi then earned match point at 20-17. Jonatan saved the first match point, but Shi Yuqi finished the game with a cross-court net shot.
The Chinese player closed out the second game 21-18, giving China a 1-0 lead over Indonesia in the team final.
The remaining matches will determine whether Indonesia can level the team final and continue its challenge for the Asian Games title.
