Indonesia's representatives failed to reach the final of the Malaysia Open 2026 after semifinal losses. Jonatan Christie fell to Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn, while Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri lost to hosts Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. These defeats ensure Indonesia has no one in the BWF World Tour Super 1000 championship match.
The Malaysia Open 2026 tournament at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur saw Indonesia's hopes end in the semifinals on Saturday, January 10, 2026. In men's singles, Jonatan Christie lost in straight games to Kunlavut Vitidsarn 16-21, 16-21. Kunlavut played patiently and consistently, hindering Jonatan's aggressive style.
After the match, Jonatan candidly admitted his weaknesses. "First, I'm grateful, praise God no injury. I have to admit today Kunlavut played more patiently and calmly," he said via an official PP PBSI statement. He highlighted failing to maintain momentum after long rallies: "Several times I won long rallies, but the next point I easily gave away quickly."
This marks Jonatan's second straight loss to Kunlavut, though he leads their head-to-head 8-7. Jonatan remained positive: "Reaching the semifinals is okay, this adds motivation and confidence."
In men's doubles, sixth seeds Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri battled intensely for 51 minutes against second seeds Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. The match ended 21-23, 18-21 in Malaysia's favor, boosted by home crowd cheers. The first game was tight with Fajar/Fikri leading at times but faltering in deuce. In the second, supporter pressure mounted challenges.
With both pairs eliminated, Indonesia has no finalists. Earlier, Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani lost in the quarterfinals to Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik on January 9 by 19-21, 10-21. PBSI expressed appreciation for the Indonesian shuttlers' efforts throughout the tournament.
