Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto step into the quarter-finals India Open 2023 after defeating Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri 21-17 and 21-18 at KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, New Delhi, Thursday (19/1).
The two Indonesian Pelatnas men’s doubles matches were fierce. Overtaking points had occurred until the first game interval. Fast games, fighting drives, until fighting smes occurs.
Fajar/Rian began to be able to leave Bagas/Fikri after being in equal position 12-12. Slowly but surely Fajar/Rian started to leave points until they won 21-17 over Bagas/Fikri.
In the second game the game is not much different. Fajar/Rian, who are the world’s number one men’s doubles, couldn’t even come out of the pressure at 10-10. It was only after winning at the 11-10 interval that Fajar/Rian were able to create an advantage.
Fajar/Rian’s fast game and slick net made them lead 17-12. But Bagas/Fikri didn’t just give up and got close to 18-19.
Fajar/Rian’s calm then becomes decisive. A drop shot Fajar, who was unable to return Bagas/Fikri, finally sealed a 21-18 victory in the second game.
Fajar/Rian became the first Indonesian representatives to secure a step into the quarter-finals of the 2023 India Open.
Previously, Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati lost to first seed Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong 16-21, 9-21 in the last 16 of the India Open 2023.
A number of Indonesian representatives will still play in the top 16 round of the 2023 India Open, including Anthony Ginting, Jonatan Christie and Kevin Sanjaya/Marcus Gideon.
(hair)
