PETALING JAYA: Indonesian shuttler Anthony Ginting (pic) dropped a bombshell by announcing his decision to withdraw from the World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, starting on Monday.
But he has a good reason to do so.
The world No. 2 is still mourning the loss of his mother Lucia Sriati, who passed away on Aug 9.
It was confirmed by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) on social media.
On his eleventh-hour withdrawal, head coach Irwansyah said: “Ginting will not participate at the World Championships because he is still mourning his beloved Mama.”
Ginting was disappointed that he had to settle for silver after going down to Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the final of the Indonesian Open in June when his wheelchair-bound mother was present at the Istora Senayan to watch him play.
Ukrainian Danylo Bosniuk, who was slated to face Ginting in the opening round, has now progressed to the second round.
Following his withdrawal, it will be an open battle for anyone in the bottom half of the draw to make it to the final.
Ginting, who was the second seed in the tournament, looked like Indonesia’s best bet to reach the final as he has captured two titles this year so far – the Asian Championships in April and Singapore Open in June – and was expected to face Axelsen in the final.
It will be a blessing in disguise for Malaysians Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong who are placed in the bottom half of the draw as they will not have to worry about Ginting.
In the absence of Ginting, Indonesia will be banking on fifth seed Jonatan Christie and unseeded Chico Aura to bring home a medal.
Jonatan will play Zii Jia in the first round and the former has a slight advantage as he holds the head-to-head meetings at 4-3.
However, Jonatan has never beaten the Malaysian in their last three meetings – All-England in 2020, last year’s Asia Championships and Denmark Open.
World No. 21 Chico should not have a problem clearing his first-round hurdle when he faces world No. 114 Nathan Tang of the United States.
