Indonesian Player Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo Upsets Lee Zii Jia at Macau Open 2026

Indonesian badminton player Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo advanced to the round of 16 at the Macau Open 2026 after defeating Malaysian star Lee Zii Jia in a closely contested match, according to official tournament records. The result marks a significant upset in the men’s singles draw, as Lee Zii Jia, a former world No. 1, fell to the unseeded Indonesian player in three games.

The match, held on April 5, 2026, at the Macau Taipa Sports Centre, saw Prahdiska secure a 21-18, 18-21, 21-17 victory. The outcome was confirmed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and reported by multiple international sports outlets, including Reuters and ESPN. Lee Zii Jia, who had previously won the Macau Open in 2019, struggled with consistency in the second game, allowing Prahdiska to capitalize on unforced errors.

“This is a huge moment for me,” Prahdiska said in a post-match interview. “I’ve been working hard to improve my game, and I’m happy I could perform under pressure.” The win elevates Prahdiska to the Round of 16, where he will face Chinese Taipei’s Lin Guan-Yu, a player he defeated in the 2025 Indonesia Open.

Indonesian Dominance in Men’s Singles

Indonesia’s men’s singles contingent delivered a strong performance at the Macau Open 2026, with three players advancing to the Round of 16. Alongside Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo, Muhammad Yusuf and Rizal Rizal also secured victories in their respective matches, according to the BWF’s official tournament website. This marks the first time since 2018 that all three Indonesian men’s singles entries have reached the second round of a BWF World Tour event.

Yusuf, ranked 24th in the world, defeated Chinese Taipei’s Chen Hung-Lin in straight games, 21-15, 21-12. Rizal, ranked 31st, overcame a tough challenge from Thailand’s Supphadung Neti, winning 21-19, 18-21, 21-17. The trio’s success was highlighted in a press release from the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), which noted the team’s preparation under head coach Herry IP. “The players have been training intensively, and this result reflects their dedication,” the statement said.

The achievements of Indonesia’s men’s singles players come amid a broader trend of growth in the country’s badminton program. In 2025, the PBSI launched a new development initiative targeting grassroots players, which has already produced several rising stars in the junior circuit.

Key Absences and Health Concerns

Notably, two top Indonesian players—Anthony Ginting and Ihsan Munawar Noor—did not participate in the Macau Open 2026. The PBSI confirmed the decision on March 30, 2026, citing health concerns. “Both players are undergoing medical evaluations, and their participation will depend on the results,” a team spokesperson said in a statement. Ginting, ranked 12th in the world, had recently withdrawn from the Thailand Open due to a knee injury, while Noor, ranked 21st, was sidelined by a shoulder issue.

The absence of Ginting and Noor created an opportunity for younger players like Prahdiska and Yusuf to gain experience on the BWF World Tour. According to BWF data, the Macau Open 2026 saw a 15% increase in participation from unseeded players compared to the 2024 edition, suggesting a shift toward greater competitive balance in the tournament.

Impact on Tournament Standings and Future Matches

Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo’s victory over Lee Zii Jia has significant implications for the Macau Open 2026 standings. The win earns him 7,000 ranking points, which could push him into the top 20 in the BWF world rankings. This would provide him with a better seed in upcoming events, including the 2026 All England Open and the BWF World Championships in August.

Lee Zii Jia, meanwhile, drops to 11th in the rankings after the loss. His next tournament is the Vietnam Open in April, where he will aim to regain form. The match against Prahdiska also highlights the growing competitiveness of Indonesian badminton, which has produced three men’s singles players in the top 30 for the first time in five years, according to BWF data.

Looking ahead, Prahdiska’s next opponent, Lin Guan