Not defending champion Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo, not world No.7 Jonatan Christie, not even Olympic bronze medallist Anthony Sinisuka Ginting. Indonesia’s sole men’s singles hope in the PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2023 semifinals is 21-year-old Christian Adinata.

The youngster, however, is undaunted by the situation he finds himself in.

“No pressure, it doesn’t bother me,” said Adinata after coming from a game down to dispatch Kidambi Srikanth in his last eight match. “Rather, I see representing Indonesia in men’s singles and doing well for my country as a big motivation.”

Adinata’s progress was sealed as a result of a 58-minute 16-21 21-16 21-11 win.

“It was a tight match but I fought to win until the end,” said Adinata. “I was a little too tentative in the first game but got more confident after winning the second. That helped make up my mind to be more adventurous in the decider.

“I’m proud I didn’t allow my spirit to be dampened after losing the opener. That can easily happen against a player of Srikanth’s quality.”

This is only Adinata’s second Super 500 event. He lost to Kenta Nishimoto in the opening round of his home event Indonesia Masters in January, having made his HSBC BWF World Tour debut at the Taipei Open last year. Adinata’s career has been on an upward trajectory since; just last week he won the SEA Games gold medal in Cambodia, beating Wardoyo in the final.

“Making the last four in my second Super 500 means a lot as it shows the arduous process I’ve been on to get to this stage is paying dividends. But I’m also aware a new process starts now,” said the player named after Indonesia’s doubles great Christian Hadinata.

“My immediate target is to go up the rankings as I’m desperate to avoid the qualification round at these big competitions. At this level, it makes a difference if I wish to consistently challenge in the latter stages of tournaments.”