The assignment is clear at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2024 and Jonatan Christie knows it.

“It’s do or die for me and Kunlavut (Vitidsarn) in the next match. We both need to win,” Christie said after reviving his semifinal hopes with a 21-12 21-11 result over Kodai Naraoka. “It’s win or go home,” the Indonesian added matter-of-factly.

Yesterday, Christie lost his opening match 16-21 21-17 8-21 to Shi Yu Qi while Vitidsarn defeated Naraoka. The Thai went down 21-14 19-21 23-25 to Shi today, turning his last Group B match with Christie a winner-takes-all clash. Naraoka is eliminated after two straight games defeats.

Christie, who became a father to baby Leander Jayden in August, shared: “To reset myself after losing to Shi, I had a video call with my son and I felt so much better.

“This is round robin so you must play three matches. So there’s always hope.”

Christie was part of a bunch who hauled themselves back into contention by rebounding to win their second group match. Paris Olympic gold medallists Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Qiong, 2022 winner Akane Yamaguchi, Indian women’s pair Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand Pullella and Malaysian mixed pair Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Jemie Lai were the others.

Yamaguchi reflected after overcoming world No.1 An Se Young 22-20 17-21 21-15: “I had a lovely game and I enjoyed the process of facing the challenges. I’m happy the win has given me the chance to continue my journey. I cherish this opportunity and will strive for another good performance.”

The Japanese, who lost her opener to second seed Han Yue, concludes her Group B campaign against Supanida Katethong tomorrow.

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WHAT OTHERS SAID

“I wouldn’t call it revenge (for the Olympic loss). Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t.” – Shi

“We know the way round robin goes. Even if we lose the first match, we’ve got to keep trying until it’s over. Perhaps our experience helped us prepare better mentally.” – Lai on how previous Finals appearances worked favourably for her and Goh against debutants Hiroki Midorikawa/Natsu Saito