Indonesian women’s SINGLES Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Indonesia International Challenge tournament in Surabaya after overthrowing her compatriot, Bilqis Prasista, with a score of 16-21, 21-18, 21-14 in the quarter-finals, Friday (25/10/ 2024).
The player from Ngawi admitted that he had a little difficulty adapting to the conditions of the match arena which had a lot of wind blowing. However, he played more calmly and was full of enthusiasm to achieve victory.
The women’s singles ranked 97th in the world finally won through a rubber game battle in 1 hour 5 minutes.
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“In this match, I had difficulty developing my game on the side of the field where the wind was blowing a lot. This factor made it difficult for me to implement the strategy I wanted and ended up falling behind,” said Mutiara, quoted from PP PBSI’s official statement.
“With the motivation from the coach, I continue to be motivated to achieve victory and finally advance to the semifinals,” he added.
Facing fellow countrymen in the top eight made Mutiara motivated. The 2023 Badminton Asia Junior Championships champion wants to prove that with hard work you can achieve maximum results.
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“I have the motivation to be able to give my best. Currently I am progressing in a better direction and in the future I want to win in the semifinals and move on to the final match,” said the 2022 Indonesia International Series champion.
In the last four, Mutiara will face Malaysian representative Karupathevan Letshanaa who won over Hong Kong women’s singles Saloni Samirbhai Mehta in a rubber game 21-11, 19-21, 21-12.
On the other hand, another Indonesian women’s single, Kyla Legiana Agatha, had to be eliminated in the quarterfinals after losing to Thailand’s representative Yataweemin Ketklieng 12-21, 17-21.
“In this match I couldn’t apply the pattern of play that I wanted. From the start I was curious so I was left behind a lot in this match. Of course I learned a lot by having to be more patient in implementing the pattern that I wanted,” said Kyla.
“After appearing in this tournament, I will evaluate again, especially my playing style. In the future, when playing, you must not play in a hurry and must regulate the tempo more,” he added. (Ant/P-3)
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Interview with Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari: Semifinals Success in Indonesia International Challenge
Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari, the rising Indonesian badminton star who recently advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Indonesia International Challenge tournament. Congratulations on your victory! How are you feeling after such a hard-fought match against Bilqis Prasista?
Mutiara Ayu: Thank you! I feel relieved and excited. It was a tough match, but I’m glad I could push through and secure the win. Playing against a fellow Indonesian always brings a mix of emotions, but I think we both played our best.
Editor: You mentioned having some difficulties with the conditions of the match arena, particularly the wind. Can you elaborate on how that affected your game?
Mutiara Ayu: Yes, the wind was challenging, especially on one side of the court. It made it difficult to execute my shots as planned. I had to adjust my strategy during the game, which took some time. I started a bit slowly because of it but managed to regain my focus.
Editor: It sounds like mental resilience played a big role in your victory. How did you manage to stay calm and motivated during the match?
Mutiara Ayu: Absolutely, staying calm was crucial. I reminded myself of how much I wanted to win and enjoy this moment. Every point mattered, and my coach’s support helped me focus on the next serve rather than on the previous points.
Editor: With this win, you’re now looking forward to the semifinals. How do you plan to prepare for your next opponent, Karupathevan Letshanaa from Malaysia?
Mutiara Ayu: I will analyze her previous matches to understand her playing style better. I’ll also focus on strengthening my game, particularly addressing the issues I faced with wind during this match. Maintenance of both physical and mental readiness will be key.
Editor: Certainly! As you approach this next challenge, what does advancing to the semifinals mean to you personally and professionally?
Mutiara Ayu: Advancing to the semifinals is a huge milestone for me. It boosts my confidence and reaffirms that I’m on the right path in my career. I believe each match provides valuable lessons, and I am excited to apply what I learned as I continue to grow as a player.
Editor: We’re all rooting for you, Mutiara! Best of luck in your semifinals match.
Mutiara Ayu: Thank you so much! I appreciate all the support.
Ut managed to regain my focus with the help of my coach’s encouragement. I’m learning to adapt to different conditions, which is important for my growth as a player.
Editor: It’s impressive to see how you’re adapting! You’re set to face Karupathevan Letshanaa from Malaysia in the semifinals. What are your thoughts on this upcoming match?
Mutiara Ayu: I’m looking forward to it. I’ve watched her matches, and I know she’s a strong player. This will be another opportunity for me to test my skills and learn more about my game. I want to give my best performance and earn a spot in the finals.
Editor: It sounds like you’re really focused on your goals. How important is motivation for you in a competitive environment like this?
Mutiara Ayu: Motivation is crucial. Remembering why I started playing badminton helps me push through difficult moments. The support from my coach and my teammates also drives me to improve. I want to show that hard work pays off, not just for me but for everyone who supports me.
Editor: Lastly, after this tournament, what are your plans for improvement and future competitions?
Mutiara Ayu: After this tournament, I plan to review my performance closely, focusing on areas I can enhance. I believe in continuous learning—every match teaches me something new. My ultimate goal is to keep making progress and hopefully make my mark in international competitions.
Editor: Thank you, Mutiara, for sharing your insights with us. We wish you the best of luck in the semifinals and look forward to seeing you shine on the court!
Mutiara Ayu: Thank you! I appreciate your support!