Two of Indonesia’s brightest medal hopes wilted under the spotlight, denying the country a presence in the men’s singles Round of 16 for the first time in history.

It will now be up to Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto in men’s doubles and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in women’s singles to salvage their campaign.

First up was Jonatan Christie, who was in great form earlier this year, against Lakshya Sen. The Indonesian had none of the free-flowing rhythm that he showed during his title-winning campaigns at the All England and Asian Championships; this was a subdued Christie, emotions all bottled up and struggling to express the full range of his game.

Sen, on the other hand, was on song, coming up with acrobatic retrievals when he found himself in trouble. After a close first game, Christie’s play fell apart: 21-18 21-12.

The Indonesian tried to put a lid on his emotions but the devastation of the loss was apparent.

“I started the match well but after a few points I was impatient and then Sen managed to draw level,” said the world No.4. “When the points were tight my mistakes at the end of the first game were crucial. I tried to be brave to press harder but several times my shots went wide. I have mixed feelings right now, and I can’t express them.”

For Sen, who had come through perhaps the most difficult group in men’s singles, the win was vindication of the level he’d found.

“It was a really tough match,” said Sen. “I’m happy with the way I played, especially in the first game, it was crucial. I took an early lead and found my rhythm quickly, and then it was a matter of a few points at the end and I just stuck in there.”

The day didn’t get any better for Indonesia, at least in men’s singles. Anthony Sinisuka Ginting was the favourite against home hope Toma Junior Popov, but the Frenchman, serenaded by a full-house crowd, soared on its energy. Admirably, he kept his head at the most important moments, using clever variations to keep Ginting from second-guessing him. The 21-19 17-21 21-15 result marked a milestone for France, even as it will cause deep soul-searching in Indonesia. Popov became the first Frenchman in the men’s singles Round of 16 after Erwin Kehlhoffner in 2008.

“I’m quite upset and disappointed with my result,” said Ginting. “I was happy with my performance – I could give my best but it was not enough. Toma was playing so much better than me – it was not easy to get a point from him. He tried to push me as much as possible in the third game. I tried to get out of the pressure that he gave. I always told myself it’s not finished yet, there’s still hope.”

As for the winner, who’d just delivered one of France’s biggest results so far, his voice was hoarse after all the sound bytes to home media.

“It’s kind of crazy,” he finally managed to say. “I just had to go for my game and play to my strengths. I was just trying to do my best and shake him, and if I did that, there was an opportunity. Winning the first game was important. The crowd pushed me a lot, particularly in the second game when I came quite close. I didn’t give it up so easily, sot that cost him some energy. Winning the final point was such an emotional moment.”

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