Jonatan Christie, the badminton prodigy of Indonesia, seems to be ready to receive the torch from Taufik, Tommy, Hayom, Simon, and Sony in the near foreseeable future. His mindblowing smash and physical durability is indisputable, reminding us of Lim Swie King's playing style, the king of smash. Even Taufik symbolically hands his racquet to Jo at his farewell ceremony. Let's see how this dawn of hope in Indonesia's MS would fare in the next few years. Up to today, several of his outstanding achievements are as follow. 2008: 2 golds (MS & XD) + 1 silver (MD) at ASEAN Elementary School Olympics 2010: 2 golds (MS & MD) at Milo School Competition 2011: 1 gold (MD) at Asia U-15 Competition 2013: 2 golds (MS & Men's Team) at School Sea Games Currently, he's playing at the final of Indonesia International Challenge, just at the age of 16
And, just recently: 2013: Winner of Indonesia International Challenge He trounced Alamsyah Yunus in the final. As a matter of fact, Alamsyah is currently ranked 27 and he trounced Kenichi Tago on the previous edition of Indonesia Super Series Premier. Next week, his rank would spike to somewhere around 230s from 499 at this juncture of time.
He acted in the Indonesian badminton movie King in 2009 when he was just 12 years old! See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMdoZSU7shI. If you only want to see him in action and not watch the whole movie, just scroll to 1:22:05.
Yes, he would be 16 this September. So, he's just 15 now. I once read that it is attributed to his well-planned physical training program, and his feast plan which involves up to 8 ounce of beef every day ever since in elementary school.
So, JC will have 3 more WJC (and 2 more AJC) to go. I am pretty sure he will be selected for next year's AJC.
His acting is not bad actually. An interesting character for the badminton world, not just a badminton player but already has acting experience
It is true that his father prepared him really well to be the next big thing in the future. I still remember when he was only 11 yo, his father said to a newspaper and explained about JC's meal and nutritional plan to build the physical aspect of JC. JC almost moved to Djarum when Tangkas was in financial crisis.
another badminton child prodigy? time will tell.. i think he and another talented INA junior should follow Thailand junior & TTY way to compete more in senior competition which is right spelling.. jonathan or jonatan? anyway congratz to Jo
Jonatan can be the INA star with his physical build, tall (I think his height can be added more 2-3 cm?), and has good spirit and performance. Keep training, participate in more senior tournaments (and be the winner ) ), consistency...that what he needs to be a badminton star.
Good luck jojo for tom's QF! If today you could vanquish the 2nd seed, there's no reason you can't pass tom's test!
Wow, it is apparent from the pics that his tall stature and well-built body supports his 'speed&power' style... He could be the next Lin Dan or LCW, but not Taufik (well, Taufik's is more of a 'beauty' style)