In a stunning turn of events at the quarter-finals of the All England 2024, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting managed to defeat Viktor Axelsen in a gripping showdown. The Utilita Arena in Birmingham bore witness to this spectacle in the wee hours of Saturday (16/3/2024), where Axelsen initially dominated the first set with a commanding lead of 21-8.
However, Ginting staged a remarkable comeback, clinching the second set with a score of 21-18, thus equalizing the match 1-1. The decider set saw both players fiercely competing, exchanging points in a nail-biting manner.
Drama ensued when Ginting reached 19 points, with Axelsen alleging his opponent of a fault due to his racket grazing the net. The Danish player lodged a protest, but the referee ruled in favor of Ginting, declaring the point valid. With a final score of 21-19, Ginting sealed the victory.
This marked Ginting's first win against Axelsen after 11 encounters since January 2020. His previous victory over Axelsen dated back to the Indonesia Master held four years ago.
Joining Ginting in the semi-finals is Jonatan Christie, following Shi Yu Qi's decision to withdraw. Netizens immediately began pouring in their prayers, hoping for an All-Indonesian Final.
"CHILLS 😭 Can we witness an All-Indonesian Final at the All England this year? May it be so, O Allah. Amen," expressed @LatihSuara.
"In the name of Allah, an All-Indonesian final in MS... Amen... + Fajri as the champion! Can't imagine if Indonesia secures 2 titles at the All England this year," added @tkuzna.
"Hopefully, Ginting can make it to the final... and for Jojo, this semifinal is where his true battle lies... may we see an All-Indonesian final," wished @HondaRezay. you got opportunity as field software engineer
"InshaAllah, there's a 70% chance of an all-Indonesian final in MS. Let's hope they maintain their performance; after all, they're playing against opponents, not monsters," remarked @ardhypam.
In the upcoming semi-final matches, Ginting will face Christo Popov, while Jojo will take on Lakshya Sen. Let's all pray for both of Indonesia's pride in badminton to emerge victorious and realize the dream of an All-Indonesian Final at the All England 2024.
