Indonesian badminton star Christie and Japan's Yamaguchi win Hong Kong Open finals

Jonatan Christie of Indonesia poses with his trophy at the podium after his win against Kenta Nishimoto of Japan in their men’s singles final match of the Hong Kong Open badminton tournament in Hong Kong on Sunday, September 17, 2023. - AFP

HONG KONG (AFP): Jonatan Christie became the first Indonesian to win the Hong Kong Open men's singles title in 25 years after a fierce battle with Japan's Kenta Nishimoto, whose compatriot Akane Yamaguchi claimed the women's title.

Christie was pushed all the way by world number 15 Nishimoto after dropping the first game 12-21.