The BDMNTN-XL 2025 Jakarta kicked off on Thursday, October 2, delivering high-intensity badminton action that lived up to its promise of excitement. With its innovative format featuring 3×3 matches, time-based games, and pressure-packed showdowns, fans were treated to an electrifying Day 1. Two thrilling sessions took place: the Rockets vs Hurricanes in the afternoon, followed by Lightning vs Blitzers in the evening.
Rockets Edge Past Hurricanes in a Close Encounter
The opening tie of the tournament saw the Rockets taking on the Hurricanes. Both teams brought star-studded lineups to the court, and the action did not disappoint.
The session began with a 3×3 clash, where the Rockets’ trio of Melati Daeva Oktaviani, Muhammad Rian Ardianto, and Teo Ee Yi outlasted the Hurricanes team of Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja, Mathias Christiansen, and Muhammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani. The scoreline was tight, but the Rockets held on for a 3-1 victory, giving them an early advantage.
In the Women’s Singles, Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt faced off against Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour. After a hard-fought battle filled with rapid rallies, Blichfeldt prevailed 3-2, pushing the Rockets further ahead.
The Men’s Singles turned into one of the highlights of the day as Japan’s Kodai Naraoka met Indonesia’s own Anthony Sinisuka Ginting. Both players showcased world-class shot-making, but Naraoka was the steadier force, taking the match 3-1 to extend the Rockets’ lead.
The Hurricanes fought back in the final 3×3 match, where Goh Sze Fei, Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, and Treesa Jolly combined for a gritty 3-1 win over Alexandra Bøje, Melati Daeva Oktaviani, and Teo Ee Yi. Despite their efforts, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide, as the Rockets clinched the overall tie with a 5-3 victory.
Final Score: Rockets 5 – 3 Hurricanes
Blitzers Triumph in Dramatic Showdown Against Lightning
The second session of Day 1 featured the Lightning against the Blitzers, and it turned out to be an even more dramatic contest, going all the way to the Ultimate Shuttle Showdown.
The opening 3×3 match saw Fajar Alfian, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, and Shevon Jamie Lai representing Lightning against Lai Pei Jing, Ong Yew Sin, and Sabar Karyaman Gutama of the Blitzers. Lightning started strong and secured a 3-2 win, giving them early momentum.
In Women’s Singles, however, Canada’s Michelle Li proved unstoppable. She dominated Nguyễn Thùy Linh with a clean 4-0 sweep, leveling the tie for the Blitzers.
The Men’s Singles was another thriller as Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen took on Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie. In one of the most anticipated matches of the day, both players displayed relentless attacking and pinpoint accuracy. Axelsen managed to hold his nerve in the decisive moments, winning 3-2 to push Lightning ahead again.
But the Blitzers roared back in the second 3×3 match, where Apriyani Rahayu, Chirag Shetty, and Misaki Matsutomo delivered a commanding performance to beat Fajar Alfian, Shevon Jamie Lai, and Tse Ying Suet 3-1. With the tie locked at 4-4, the stage was set for the tournament’s first Ultimate Shuttle Showdown.
The showdown saw Axelsen return for Lightning, facing Indonesia’s favorite Jonatan Christie once more. This time, Christie flipped the script, holding his composure to edge Axelsen 5-4 in a nail-biting finish, sealing the victory for the Blitzers.
Final Score: Blitzers 5 – 4 Lightning
A Thrilling Start to the Tournament
Day 1 of the BDMNTN-XL 2025 Jakarta proved exactly why this competition is generating so much buzz. The Rockets showed their depth in taking down the Hurricanes, while the Blitzers demonstrated grit and resilience to overcome Lightning in a dramatic tiebreak finish.
With more ties ahead, fans can expect even greater intensity, unpredictable outcomes, and world-class badminton packaged in an innovative, entertainment-driven format. If Day 1 is any indication, the rest of the BDMNTN-XL Games will be nothing short of spectacular.