Alwi Farhan Makes History at 2026 Singapore Open, Advances to First BWF Super 750 Semifinal

May 29, 2026

Indonesian men’s singles badminton star Alwi Farhan etched his name into history on Friday, May 29, 2026, by reaching the semifinals of the BWF Super 750 Singapore Open. The 21-year-old became the first Indonesian player to achieve this milestone at the prestigious tournament, marking a career-defining moment in his young career.

Farhan’s journey to the last four began with a stunning upset in the Round of 16, where he defeated world No. 1 and top seed Shi Yu Qi of China in a hard-fought two-game match. The victory set the stage for his quarterfinal clash against Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, which he won 21-12, 21-17, securing his place in the semifinals.

“It’s really nice to be able to win to avenge the defeat and get to the first semifinal in the Super 750,” Farhan said, referencing his previous loss to Naraoka at the Badminton Asia Championship in April. “I was chased in the second game, but I was able to control the pressure and the situation.”

Overcoming Challenges and High Stakes

Farhan’s path to the semifinals was anything but straightforward. After defeating the world’s top-ranked player, he faced a formidable test in Naraoka, who had previously beaten him in a tournament earlier this year. The Indonesian player admitted to feeling the weight of the moment but credited his mental preparation for the victory.

“I was in a exceptionally stressed state when facing Kodai because in the previous round I managed to send Shi Yuqi, the world number one badminton player,” Farhan explained. “But I tried to control and learn from the experience. When I played well yesterday, it didn’t guarantee that I could play well today. So, I was afraid of anticlimactic as well, but in the end I was able to control it.”

Looking Ahead: A Tough Test in the Semifinals

The Indonesian sensation will now face French player Alex Lanier in the semifinals. Lanier, who advanced after defeating third seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark, holds a 3-2 career advantage over Farhan. Their most recent encounters came at the 2026 Malaysia Open and the 2026 Thomas & Uber Cup, where Lanier emerged victorious.

Despite the daunting challenge, Farhan remains focused. “This is the second clash between Alwi and Kodai in the competitive arena — all of which happened this year,” the VOI.id report noted. “Kodai won their first meeting in the second round of the Badminton Asia Championship (BAC) in early April also in two straight games.”

Significance of the Achievement

Farhan’s semifinal berth represents a landmark moment for Indonesian badminton. The BWF Super 750 level is one of the most competitive tiers in the sport, and reaching the last four is a testament to his rapid rise on the global stage. The victory over Shi Yu Qi, in particular, underscores his ability to perform under