In a somber announcement for the world of badminton, top-ranking Indonesian shuttler Anthony Sinisuka Ginting has decided to pull out of upcoming World badminton Championships, which is set to commence in Copenhagen this Monday.
Holding the esteemed position of the World No.2 in rankings, Ginting is grappling with the tragic loss of his mother, Lucia Sriati, who passed away on August 9. This personal setback has deeply affected the athlete, leading to his decision to skip the tournament.
Elaborating on the reasons for Ginting's withdrawal, his coach, Irwansyah, conveyed, "He could not appear at the World Championships because he’s still mourning his beloved Mama." This statement was part of the official release provided by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Given the competitive structure of the tournament, Ginting's pre-scheduled opponent, Ukrainian player Danylo Bosniuk, will now secure an automatic progression to the tournament's second round in light of the absence of the Indonesian star.
In the realm of Indonesian badminton, the responsibility of representing the nation in the men's singles category at these championships now shifts to the fifth seed, Jonatan Christie. He will be carrying the hopes and expectations of fans as the top-ranked Indonesian participant.
This year's World Championships in Copenhagen holds significance for multiple reasons. It marks the fifth instance of the Danish capital playing host to this prestigious event, making Copenhagen the most frequent city to host the championships. For badminton enthusiasts and historians, it's notable that the city previously welcomed the global badminton community in the years 1983, 1991, 1999, and 2014. This tradition continues in 2023, albeit with the heartfelt absence of a top player like Ginting.
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