Indonesia Sweeps Algeria 5-0 in Thomas Cup, Ginting Uses Rest Period for Evaluation

Anthony Sinisuka Ginting started his appearance at the 2026 Thomas Cup with a victory. The Indonesian Men's Singles player helped the Red and White team defeat Algeria 5-0 in the opening Group D match at Forum Horsens, Denmark, early Saturday morning WIB.

Playing in the third match, Ginting secured Indonesia's victory after defeating Mohammed Abdelaziz Ouchefoun in two straight games 21-8, 21-6. The match was one-sided, with Ginting controlling the tempo from start to finish.

For Ginting, a decisive win isn't reason for complacency. He views the rest day as crucial for evaluating his gameplay details before the next match.

"Tomorrow during the break there's a training opportunity, so I'll revisit what I experienced or felt in today's match during practice," stated Ginting in the official PP PBSI release after the match.

Ginting aims to use the one-day pause in this packed team tournament schedule to replay match situations through training and visualization.

According to Ginting, evaluating via match visualization effectively allows detailed study of every on-court moment. 

From footwork and shot selection to pressure responses, he wants to reexamine everything.

The 2026 Thomas Cup also marks a role shift for Ginting. After four editions since 2018 as Indonesia's first singles, the 29-year-old now plays as third singles.

However, Ginting feels unburdened by this positional change. He believes the responsibility to deliver points remains identical, though pressure and match circumstances may differ.

"Being third singles isn't vastly different from first singles—only the lineup arrangement sometimes alters conditions and pressure," he said.

This flexibility serves as Indonesia's key asset. In team formats, adaptability to match order often proves decisive against strong opponents.

Ginting hopes his performance stays consistent to keep contributing points in upcoming matches. Indonesia still has two critical group-stage fixtures.

"Hopefully in subsequent matches I can continue adding points for Indonesia," he expressed.

The dominant win over Algeria temporarily puts Indonesia atop Group D. Jonatan Christie initiated the lead by defeating Adel Hamek 21-8, 21-6, while Alwi Farhan doubled the score after beating Mohamed Abderrahime Belarbi 21-8, 21-7.

After Ginting sealed the win, doubles pairs completed the sweep. Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri won 21-14, 21-8, before Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin concluded the points festival with a 21-4, 21-7 victory.

The next challenge awaits on April 26 when Indonesia faces Thailand, before closing the group stage against France on April 28. Thailand opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over France.