India Open Super 750: Jonatan Chrie reaps rewards of going independent, reaches another BWF Tour final | Badminton News

World number 4 Jonatan Chrie had his heart in his mouth on the final point of his semi-final against Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew at the India Open Super 750 on Saturday.The Indonesian had hit a powerful smash but Loh challenged it, adding to the suspense. It was the small matter of the match ending or the score being 21-all in the second game.As the big screen showed that the shuttle landed in, Chrie let out a big roar and celebrated with the fans inside the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium increasing their decibel levels with their “Jojo” chants.“It was a tough match. Loh is a superb player and almost had me towards the end of the second game,” Chrie said after the win.
With the second game getting tight at the end, Chrie found ample support in the stands as the Indian fans were joined a handful of Indonesians, especially in the opening game when he was trailing 5-11.
After conceding a big lead, Chrie changed tactics slowing the pace. He capitalised on Loh’s unforced errors and won the first game with down-the-line attacks.
In the second game also, Chrie was trailing 13-17 but upped the intensity of his game towards the business end to seal a 21-18, 22-20 victory in 46 minutes.Story continues below this ad
Jonatan Chrie of Indonesia in action against Loh Kean Yew at the semifinals of the Yonex Sunrise India Open 2026. (Photo: BAI)
In Sunday’s final, he will face Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei, who beat Canada’s Victor Lai 21-9, 6-21, 22-20 in a match lasting more than an hour.
“In the first game, Loh had a big lead but I am glad I could make a comeback and keep the intensity up till the end,” said Chrie.
“I always have good support in India. I think there are some Indonesian fans also in the crowd as I heard some familiar chants but I want to thank the Indian fans especially as they have been very kind to me.”
The 2024 All England champion is one of the best male shuttlers in the world and despite leaving the Indonesian national set-up last year, has maintained his consency on the BWF World Tour.Story continues below this ad
Going independent: Pros and Cons
After 12 years in the Indonesian coaching set-up, Chrie left in mid-2025 to focus on his family and take control of his training regime.
He won three titles on the 2025 BWF World Tour: Korea Open Super 500, Denmark Open Super 1000 and Hylo Open Super 500.
“When I had my family, I decided to go independent. It gives me more balance in practice and spending time with my family. It allows me more flexibility,” Chrie said.
But this flexibility comes with its own set of challenges.Story continues below this ad
“One of the issues is lack of quality sparring partners. The best players of the country are in the national set-up. Apart from sparring partners, the facilities are also a big challenge. Now, I have to pay to use the facilities.”
Currently, Chrie is working with former Indonesia international Vicky Angga Satpura. Team Chrie also has a psycholog, physical trainer, physiotherap and nutrition.
Planning every step
Chrie didn’t have the best of starts to 2025 and his decision to go independent mid-season raised some eyebrows.
However, he finished the year strongly and maintained his place in the world top 5.Story continues below this ad
“The season didn’t start well and it was very up and down for me. Leaving the national set-up is not easy and the transition was difficult,” he said.
But once his team came together, the detailed planning towards a clear goal resulted in him ending the season strongly.
“It is important to define our goals clearly. If the focus from the start is right, everything falls in place,” explained Chrie. “We have planned everything step step and that’s what got us results.”