Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto managed to win the 2023 Malaysia Open after defeating Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang with a score of 21-18, 18-21, 21-13.
Fast game play at the start of the first game. Even though Fajar/Rian was behind 1-3, Fajar/Rian was able to counterattack and equalize at 5-5.
The tie then continued until it was 7-7 when the two doubles took turns leading. Fajar/Rian led 8-7 after Liang Wei Keng’s smash hit the net.
Fajar/Rian increased their advantage to 9-7 through a 26 stroke rally. They were able to force Wang Chang to make a mistake.
Fajar/Rian then got the 10th point through Rian’s hard shot in front of the net which hit the opponent’s field. Fajar/Rian immediately got the 11th point at the next opportunity because the opponent’s blow left the field. 11-7 to Fajar/Rian in the interval
After the interval, Fajar/Rian was still able to defend the point difference at number four at 14-10 even though Liang/Wang exerted pressure through a series of hard smashes.
Two mistakes from Liang/Wang, namely a service error and return of the shuttlecock, made Fajar/Rian lead 16-12. Fajar/Rian continued to master the situation until it was nearing the end of the second game.
Fajar/Rian won game points at 20-14 after they outperformed Liang/Wang in the hunt for points.
In this condition, Fajar/Rian lost his rhythm. Liang/Wang were able to win four consecutive points and close at 18-20.
Fajar/Rian finally passed the emergency situation. On the fifth occasion, Fajar/Rian was able to gain points after winning the rally against Liang/Wang.
Entering the second game, Fajar/Rian lost their start and trailed 0-4. Fajar/Rian remained calm in these conditions and were able to equalize at 4-4.
The scores returned equally strong at 6-6 and 7-7. Fajar/Rian came back behind 7-9 but then countered with four consecutive points which made them lead 11-9 in the interval.
After the interval, Liang/Wang were able to turn and apply pressure. Liang/Wang’s attacks led them to a 13-12 lead.
A smash from Rian, which the opponent couldn’t return perfectly, made the score draw again at 13-13.
After the score returned to a draw at 14-14, Fajar/Rian lost two points. Liang/Wang led 16-14 which continued to 17-15.
Rian’s ambush in front of the net made the point difference 16-17. Fajar/Rian’s good defense demonstration was ended by Rian’s cross hitting to bring the score back to a draw at 17-17.
Wang Chang’s accurate punch to the corner of the field made the score change to 18-17 for China’s double advantage. Liang/Wang’s series of attacks again resulted in points, 19-17.
Liang/Wang then won a game point at 20-17 after Fajar’s shot came out.
Fajar managed to thwart Liang/Wang’s first game point by winning a drive battle. But Liang/Wang were able to maximize the next game point to close the second game with a score of 21-18.
Entering the deciding game, a tight battle ensued from the start of the game. The score was equally strong from the numbers 2-2, 4-4, to 6-6.
Fajar/Rian then managed to win two consecutive points to move away at 8-6 which continued to become 10-8.
Fajar’s smash followed by Rian’s accurate placement made it 11-9 for Fajar/Rian in the interval of the deciding game.
After the interval, Fajar/Rian tried hard to maintain the momentum. They were able to get three additional points and widen the point difference at 14-9.
Fajar/Rian showed a spectacular defense performance when they won the 15th point. They rose and fell chasing the shuttlecock until they finally succeeded in launching a counterattack. Score 15-9 for Fajar/Rian.
After having lost two points. Fajar/Rian were able to add two points so they progressed to 17-11. Fajar’s smashes and the opponent’s punches that came out were the source of these two points.
Fajar/Rian’s attacks are getting more solid. Fajar/Rian could lead 18-11 thanks to a slick combination of attacks.
Rian’s straight punch, which the opponent couldn’t anticipate, resulted in the 19th point. Fajar/Rian got the match point at 20-12 after the opponent’s punch came out.
After failing at the first opportunity, Fajar/Rian was able to lock in the title on the second occasion. Fajar/Rian won the deciding game with a score of 21-13.
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