Fajar/Rian fought hard to beat the Japanese pair in the last 16 of the All England – 2024-03-16 20:08:16

Indonesian men’s doubles Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto.(X @INABadminton)

Indonesian badminton men’s DOUBLE Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto advanced to the All England quarter-finals following going through a tough rubber game battle once morest Japanese pair Akira Koga/Taichi Saito in the last 16 match, Friday (15/3) early morning WIB.

Fajar/Rian won 18-21, 21-17 and 21-18 in 1 hour 12 minutes in the match which was held at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham, England.

The 2023 All England champion admitted that there are still many things that need to be evaluated in the last 16 match.

“Today’s evaluation is to reduce our own mistakes because we still make them several times. Something that is actually unnecessary,” said Fajar in PP PBSI’s official statement.

The two men’s doubles players fought fiercely, chasing each other’s points, especially in the first game.

Both Fajar/Rian and Koga/Saito have often met at other tournaments, so they both already understand each other’s anticipation needed when competing in rallies.

Also read: Fajar/Rian emphasizes determination to perform optimally at All England

“They are a neat and tenacious pair in their game. Their power is not too strong but they are very safe so we had difficulty breaking through them several times,” said Fajar.

In the second game, the battle for points was fierce, but Fajar/Rian managed to maintain focus and put up a solid defense, resulting in forcing the third game to be played.

In the deciding game, both pairs try to take the lead. Fajar/Rian tried not to fall under pressure and switched to playing more patiently and safely.

Also read: Indonesian Team Chasing Better Target at All England

“The opponents played very well, in the first game they didn’t give up even though they were behind and finally turned things around,” said Rian.

“But, following that, we tried to control the game more. We didn’t rush to attack and tried to get the ball in first,” he added.

Fajar/Rian next met the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalists from Taiwan, Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin, in the last eight. (Ant/Z-1)