jpnn.com, BALI - World number eight badminton players Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto successfully locked the win in the first round of the 2021 Indonesia Open in Nusa Dua, Bali.
Playing against their juniors, namely Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin, at the National Training Center, Fajar and Rian escaped the pressure and managed to finish the match in two straight games with a score of 21-17 and 22-20.
ALSO SEE: Lee Zii Jia Knocked Out of Indonesia Open, Back Injury Improves
Even though they were competing against his juniors, it was not easy for Fajar and Rian to win quickly.
They were almost forced to play a rubber game when the score was overtaken in the second game.
ALSO SEE: Indonesia Open: Indonesia's Mixed Doubles Lose to Malaysia
Fajar and Rian, who had a 20-18 lead, were suddenly overtaken by Leo and Daniel until the score reached 20-20.
This situation forced Fajar and Rian to have a quick discussion to determine a new strategy in order to win two straight games.
ALSO SEE: Advancing to Top 16, Malaysian Duo to Compete Against Compatriots
"The key to the victory was at a critical point, especially in the second game, we played more calmly and patiently," Rian said after the match.
Fajar added that he and his partner had to take time to think when the opponents continued to chase the points because they didn't want to play rubber sets.
"We didn't want to give up just like that, and we are grateful to be able to win two games," said Fajar.
"Alhamdulillah [thank God], we were able to finish the match safely without getting injured. The match was fierce, for sure. They already knew our strengths and weaknesses, so it was very tight," Fajar added.
The winning pair admitted that they had improved after a bad result at the 2021 Indonesia Masters when they were defeated by Bagas Maulana and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in the first round.
Fajar and Rian admitted that the defeat had not traumatized them, but it was enough to disturb their focus in the match.
"Fortunately, since the last defeat, we had a discussion with the coach and had time to try the best strategy, especially at the critical points. Today, it turned out to be successful," concluded Fajar. (antara/lia/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Fajar/Rian Beber Kunci Bekuk Leo/Daniel di Indonesia, Ternyata Karena Ini