Singaporean badminton star Loh Kean Yew achieved a historic win at the 2026 Asian Games, by beating two-time world No. 1 badminton player Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the men’s singles quarter-final in Nagoya, Japan. Loh went down to beat his opponent 21-14, 21-19 and secured his country a joint bronze.
The win is an important breakthrough for Singaporean badminton as Loh has the first Singaporean individual badminton medal in Asian Games history. The win puts an end to 20 years of a Singaporean not getting a mention on the podium at the continental sports event in badminton.
Loh Kean Yew Overcomes World No. 1 Christie
Ranked world No. 13, Loh defeated champion Christie in the quarter final. The Singaporean, who had suffered from a 10-10 record against the Indonesians in 10 previous games, was also in a honeymoon mood and knew that he had a long head to cross.
Loh began strongly, and took control on the first day to earn a 21-14 victory. His disciplined game and ability to apply pressure took his opening lead against the reigning champion.
The second game was a much closer contest. Christie rallied and was able to move up 19-17 before the game saw the pressure increase as Loh headed towards a blow.
But Loh, who had taken five points in the first four from Pantano in the bottom of the 8th inning, responded with incredible coolness, rallying from three bats later for five straight wins to win the game 21-19. Following match point, he did show off One Piece-inspired “Gear Fourth” on Win 66, which was also an essential moment in his career.
Historic Medal for Singapore Badminton
Using the badminton format, Loh is ensuring he’ll have a minimum of a joint bronze medal in the quarter final. It also sets a new bar in the individual badminton competition at the Asian Games for Singapore.
This was the first Asian Games medal won by Singapore since it took a bronze in the Women’s Team in the last Asian Games in Doha, Qatar in 2006. Loh’s win thus bridges a 20-year South Korea medal drought in the sport.
Christie, who went down in the defeat and missed out on the gold for men’s singles from the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, was eliminated from the competition.
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What Comes Next for Loh Kean Yew?
With Loh now having bagged a medal, his focus after his historic win is on the semifinals and a chance to progress in the competition. He has made Singapore a force in men’s singles and has got the badminton fans excited with his good showing against Christie.
Regardless of the outcome, Loh’s victory will be a historic moment for Singaporean badminton and the Asian Games in general.
FAQs
What was the score in the game between Loh Kean Yew and Jonatan Christie?
Loh won his Asian Games 2026 quarterfinal matches against Christie 21-14, 21-19.
What was Loh’s historic achievement?
He was the first Singaporean to capture a personal badge in badminton at the Asian Games.
When did Singapore last win an Asian Games badminton medal?
The Singapore women’s team captured the Bronze in Badminton in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
