A focussed Anthony Sinisuka Ginting held off a strong challenge from young gun Li Shi Feng to make the semifinals of the YONEX SUNRISE India Open 2023. The Indonesian exuded calmness even after winning the final point – there was no elaborate celebration.

Despite the Chinese staying close in the third, Ginting didn’t give any hint of self-doubt as he wrapped up the quarterfinal 21-11 17-21 21-18. Next up will be either Kunlavut Vitidsarn or Loh Kean Yew as he sniffs his first Super 750/1000 title since the China Open in 2018.

“I really, really want to be a champion,” said the world No.3. “Every player wants to be champion in every tournament but it is not easy to get it. So that’s why I try so hard to keep focus from the first round. Every single match. Like today, I was thinking I was playing the final, because every player in men’s singles is really tough.”

But the title is still some way off yet, given that Viktor Axelsen is still in the draw and has swept up nearly everything in his path over the last two years. Ginting admitted he would have to step up a level to match Axelsen.

“Not only me, all of us, we have to work hard every time we play with him. So not only in the tournament, but we have to work hard in training as well so when we meet on court, we can manage everything.”

The rivalry that Ginting is best known for is with Kento Momota, who was champion here in 2016, but crashed out in the first round of this edition. Ginting sympathised with his great rival, recalling his own struggle with consistency in early 2022.

“Of course I miss him. I feel bad for him. Because I was there, maybe last year, at the beginning of the year. It’s not easy to get back to the top. So, hopefully, he can get back as soon as possible because the matches between me and him were always exciting.”