Ginting Eliminated from Thailand Open 2026, Admits Difficulty Against World Elite Players

Indonesian Men's Singles Badminton Player Anthony Sinisuka Ginting admits he still struggles when facing top-20 ranked players, particularly in reading opponents' tactical changes.

This was evident again when Ginting was eliminated in the Round of 32 at the Thailand Open 2026 after losing 12-21, 17-21 to top-seeded Chinese player Shi Yu Qi at Nimibutr Stadium, Bangkok, on Wednesday.

"When opponents alter their strategy, I'm not quick or precise enough in anticipating and countering. Today's match and previous ones show particular difficulties against top-20 players," said Ginting.

Despite unsatisfactory results, Ginting tries to find positives, expressing gratitude for returning to international competition after a long absence due to injury.

"First, I remain thankful. It wasn't an easy opponent today, facing Shi Yu Qi directly," he stated.

Ginting explained that he and his coaching team had prepared specific tactics against Shi Yu Qi, but execution faltered, especially in the first game.

“In the first game, I couldn't perform well. In the second, I kept trying and managed to lead by several points,” he added.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist briefly controlled the second game, leading 11-7 at the interval. However, Shi Yu Qi shifted tempo and attack patterns to turn the match.

According to Ginting, delayed reactions to opponents' tactical shifts cost him momentum, highlighting the need to learn finer details at elite levels.

This evaluation is crucial for Ginting's comeback after over a year away from international tournaments. He emphasized that current challenges involve not just physical fitness but adapting to top players' pressure and rhythm.