Indonesia's men's badminton team secured a semifinal spot at the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) 2026 with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Thailand in the quarterfinals on Friday, February 6, 2026. Richie Duta Richardo clinched the win in the fifth match, with the semifinal against Japan set for tomorrow in Qingdao, China.
At Qingdao Conson Gymnasium in China, Indonesia opened the BATC 2026 quarterfinals with Moh Zaki Ubaidillah's victory over Panitchapon Teeraratsakul 21-13, 22-20, taking a 1-0 lead. Known as Ubed, Zaki staged a comeback from 12-16 down in the second game with support from coaches and the captain. "In the second game, I was down 12-16, but the coaches and captain behind me kept reminding me it could still be chased," Ubed said.
Thailand leveled 1-1 after Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana lost to Peeratchai Sukphun/Pakkapon Teeraratsakul 21-14, 15-21, 17-21. Indonesia regained the lead 2-1 via Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo's win over Puritat Arree 21-7, 17-21, 21-18 despite a minor injury. "Alhamdulillah, I could get through the match well despite the obstacle," Prahdiska said.
Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin fell 18-21, 19-21 to Pharanyu Kaosamaang/Worrapol Thongsa-nga, forcing a fifth match. Richie Duta Richardo dominated, defeating Tanawat Yimjit 21-5, 21-17 to seal the 3-2 win.
As defending champions from BATC 2025, the Indonesian team now faces Japan in the semifinals on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Qingdao Qonson Arena. Richie is confident: "It feels relieving and proud to bring the team to the semifinals... Tomorrow against Japan, if fielded again, I'll definitely try to perform maximally." Support from Anthony Sinisuka Ginting bolsters Indonesia's mentality against the experienced Japanese squad.
