Why did Qui-gon advance against Darth Maul without Obi-wan?

Question

In The Phantom Menace Qui-gon and Obi-wan engage in a two-on-one battle against Darth Maul. Together Qui-gon and Obi-wan seem evenly matched to Darth Maul, with both sides getting in an occasional punch or kick against the other party. Darth Maul gains an upper hand by knocking Obi-wan temporarily out of the fight, causing him to fall several levels beneath himself and Qui-gon. Then Darth Maul begins to fight in a more defensive manner, giving ground and luring Qui-gon away from Obi-wan and towards the laser-walls.
It was pretty clear that Darth Maul outclassed both of the Jedi and intended to kill them separately, presumably because it would be easier. Qui-gon seemed happy to oblige Darth Maul's wishes and followed him to his death.
Why didn't Qui-gon stand his ground and wait for Obi-wan to rejoin him? Especially since he already knew from his encounter with Darth Maul on Tatooine that he was not a match against him one-on-one.

Answer 1

Qui-Gon couldn't lay back because the point of his and Obi-Wan's encounter with Darth Maul as to keep Maul occupied so he could not help defend the viceroy. Similarly, Maul didn't leave when he had Qui-Gon trapped, because he saw his role as taking the two Jedi out of the battle.

Answer 2

I think it all came down to "lightsaber styles". Qui-Gon was a master of Ataru: it's supposedly a very offensive-minded and acrobatic fighting style.

Wookieepedia has a description on it:

Form IV, also called Ataru, is the most acrobatic Form, filled with numerous elaborate moves, and relies heavily upon a Jedi's ability to run, jump, and spin using the Force.

Therefore, the writers may have demonstrated Qui-Gon to be less proficient in defensive strategies, since his style of choice is an aggressive one. Also, the narrow bridges they were fighting on hindered his acrobatic Ataru style against Maul. I'm guessing that he tried doing his best by doing what he does best. It is Maul.

Answer 3

By the time it became apparent that Obi-Wan couldn't catch up in time, Maul and Qui-Gon were separated by just one forcefield. Had Qui-Gon not pushed forward into the vent shaft area, he, Maul AND Obi-Wan would probably have ended up trapped within a single cell of that forcefield array.

The question really is, why didn't Obi-Wan use the super-speed he and Qui-Gon displayed at the beginning of the movie when outmatched by the Droid Destroyers? He would have gotten into the shaft with time to spare, and been able to keep Maul from focusing solely on Qui-Gon.