jpnn.com, BALI - Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana have successfully advanced to the top 16 of the 2021 Indonesia Masters after defeating their seniors at the Cipayung National Training Center, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto.
Competing at the Bali International Convention Center, Nusa Dua, Tuesday (16/11), Bagas and Fikri won through a rubber game, 13-21, 21-18, and 22-20, in one hour and one minute.
ALSO SEE: Indonesia Masters: Chan Peng Soon, Goh Liu Ying Beaten by German Pair
Bagas and Fikri said the key to victory against Fajar and Rian was to appear compact and carefree after setting foot on the field.
Not so surprisingly, the young Indonesian double was able to turn things around from being 13-21 behind the opponents in the first game to winning in the next two sets.
ALSO SEE: Indonesia Masters: Top Badminton Players Arrive in Bali
"We played loose against Fajar and Rian. We just thought we had nothing to lose in this match," said Fikri.
In line with Fikri, Bagas admitted playing loose made them dominate the field.
ALSO SEE: Anders Antonsen Enjoys Balinese Culture
"The coach says I've improved quite a bit in terms of technique and focus. I'm still learning a few things," said Bagas.
Victory over Fajar and Rian brought Bagas and Fikri to the top 16 to fight against the winner of the match between Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin from Malaysia and Kang Minhyuk and Seo Sungjae from South Korea. (mcr16/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Indonesia Masters 2021: Tampil Heroik, Bagas/Fikri Bongkar Kunci Kemenangan Lawan Fajar/Rian