Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto managed to qualify for the quarter-finals Malaysian Open 2023 after defeating German doubles, Mark Lamsfuss / Marvin Seidel, 8-21, 21-19, 21-16.
Fajar/Rian, who are currently the world’s number one men’s doubles, performed badly in the first game. Lamsfuss/Seidel appeared extraordinary through a fast game to an easy 21-8 win over Fajar/Rian.
In the second game Fajar/Rian started to increase the tempo of the game and look more aggressive. After falling behind 2-4, Fajar/Rian turned to lead 9-6 and continued to 12-8.
Even so, Lamsfuss/Seidel did not give up easily and put up fierce resistance. Lamsfuss/Seidel were able to equalize by winning four consecutive points.
They even had time to turn ahead 13-12 before the score continued to draw until the numbers 15-15. Fajar/Rian were in a tight spot when they trailed 15-17 and continued to 18-19.
In that moment, Fajar/Rian’s technical and mental toughness was really put to the test. Lamsfuss/Seidel’s attacks are very dangerous but all of them can be blocked by Fajar/Rian. Under pressure, Fajar/Rian managed to win three consecutive points and closed the second game with a score of 21-19.
Entering the decider game, the fight was tight from the start. The score continued to draw until the position was 5-5. The two doubles took turns leading but the score was tied again until it was 9-9. Lamsfuss/Seidel then managed to win the next two points and lead 11-9 at the interval.
After the interval, Fajar/Rian immediately hit the ground running and evened the score to 11-11. But after that they dropped two points and trailed 11-13 again.
Lamsfuss/Seidel’s success in a drive battle led them away at 14-11. Fajar/Rian’s light touch in front of continuing Rian’s hard smash previously brought additional points for Fajar/Rian.
The sharp drop shot released by Fajar succeeded in getting Fajar/Rian to get the next additional score, 13-14. Fajar/Rian managed to equalize 14-14 through their aggressive attacks.
Fajar’s cross backhand then marked the success of Fajar/Rian turning to lead 15-14. Rian’s straight punch that the opponent couldn’t return became the next point, 16-14.
Fajar again calmly looked at the empty space on the opponent’s side of the field. He released a double backhand that led Indonesia to lead 17-14.
The 18th point for Fajar/Rian was obtained through the ferocity of Rian’s attack. Rian made several smashes and closed the attack nicely with a light touch at the net.
Fajar/Rian succeeded in increasing the advantage to 19-14 after Fajar’s shot in front of the net could not be responded to by the opponent. Fajar/Rian’s series of points only stopped when they failed to stem the Lamsfuss/Seidel attack.
But Fajar/Rian immediately grabbed match point at 20-15 for snatching the point the next time around. Failing at the first opportunity, Fajar/Rian ensured a 21-16 victory in the next point.
Fajar/Rian also managed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2023 Malaysia Open.
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