Badminton player Muhammad Reza Al Fajri entered the top 16 of the WONDR by BNI Indonesia International Challenge 2024 tournament in Surabaya, East Java. Competing at the East Java Expo, Surabaya, Thursday (24/10), the player born on June 23 2005 won over the Malaysian representative, Zhen Yi Ong, with a score of 21-18, 21-16.
Facing the top 32 match, Reza admitted that he had prepared himself optimally. The men’s singles ranking number 239 in the world tries to regulate the tempo of the game a lot in order to save energy in facing a busy schedule.
This strategy worked well after Reza Al Fajri was able to win two straight games in 42 minutes. “Today’s match is certainly not easy because the opponent himself also has the advantage. I tried to play by controlling the tempo considering that today I played twice. Of course it is different from the previous match, I feel I have an advantage and have the capital to face the last 16 match in the afternoon ,” said Reza in his statement, Thursday (24/10).
In this tournament, the player from Makassar admitted that he was motivated to give his best. From the start he was challenged to be able to give his best by making better preparations.
With this victory, Muhammad Reza Al Fajri will face the representative of Chinese Taipei, Fang Jiun Kai, who won against Cheng Kai with a score of 21-17, 23-21. Facing the third round of the match, Reza Al Fajri was determined to perform better and try to give his best to be able to go further.
“I want to provide proof in this event. Many people doubt me, here I try to give my best. Everything went well from training to this event. Hopefully this positive trend will continue and I try not to consider this as a burden, ” said Reza.
Apart from Reza, another home player who advanced to the last 16 was Yohanes Saut Marcellyno. The player who was born on May 2 2003 advanced after defeating Malaysia’s representative, Jan Jireh Lee, with a score of 21-11, 21-10.
Facing the third round of the WONDR by BNI Indonesia International Challenge 2024 tournament in Surabaya, Saut hopes to play more consistently. Throughout his public appearance in the City of Heroes, the winner of the WONDR by BNI Indonesia International Challenge 2024 in Pekanbaru still made many mistakes and lacked consistency.
“I don’t want to think too far because the opponents I face in this tournament are very tough and make me have to be more patient and set the pattern of play that I want,” said Saut.
Reza and Saut’s success was also followed by Ikhsan Leonardo Imanuel Rumbay and Moh Zaki Ubaidillah. Ikhsan stepped up after defeating Thailand’s representative, Puritat Arree in a tight fight 21-16, 16-21, 21-15. Meanwhile, Ubed, Zaki’s nickname, advanced after winning over Malaysian men’s singles, Kim Sheng Chua, with a score of 21-9, 24-22.
Unfortunately, the glory of Reza, Saut, Ikhsan and Ubed was not followed by Bismo Raya Okotra who was eliminated in the top 32 after surrendering to the representative of Chinese Taipei, Wei-Cheng Su, with a score of 14-21, 21-13, 10-21.
The player who was born on October 30 2006 admits that he still has a lot to learn in terms of playing consistency. When he is ahead, the player from Jakarta still likes to lose focus so he has to suffer defeat.
“I have to play consistently throughout the match. I have to practice this in training so that in the future I can play even better,” said Bismo. (Z-2)
#WONDR #Reza #Saut #Ikhsan #Ubed #advance #Bismo #stuck
**Interview with Muhammad Reza Al Fajri: Championing Through the WONDR Tournament**
**Editor:** Welcome, Muhammad Reza Al Fajri! Congratulations on advancing to the top 16 at the WONDR by BNI Indonesia International Challenge 2024. Can you share how you prepared for this tournament?
**Reza:** Thank you! Preparation has been key for me. I’ve focused on maintaining my energy levels throughout the matches, especially knowing that I would be playing twice in one day. It’s about controlling the tempo and ensuring that I can sustain my performance.
**Editor:** You faced Zhen Yi Ong from Malaysia in the top 32 match. What was the strategy you implemented during that game?
**Reza:** I knew it wouldn’t be easy as my opponent had strengths that could pose challenges. My main strategy was to regulate the pace of the match, which helped me save energy and finish the game in straight sets within 42 minutes. It was crucial to stay focused and not let the pressure get to me.
**Editor:** Your next match is against Fang Jiun Kai from Chinese Taipei. What are your thoughts heading into that challenge?
**Reza:** I’m looking forward to it! I understand that Fang Jiun Kai is a strong player, having faced tough competition as well. My goal is to give my absolute best and build upon the momentum I’ve created so far in the tournament. I want to prove to everyone that I can compete at a high level.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned feeling motivated to show your capabilities in this tournament. Can you elaborate on that?
**Reza:** Definitely! Many people have doubts about my potential, and I see this tournament as an opportunity to change that narrative. I’ve worked hard in training, and I want to showcase that effort. Each match is a chance for me to demonstrate my skills and resilience.
**Editor:** What message do you have for your supporters as you continue in this prestigious event?
**Reza:** I want to thank all my supporters; your encouragement means the world to me. I’m committed to doing my best in every match. I hope to make you proud and keep this positive trend going as I aim for further progress in the tournament.
**Editor:** Thank you, Reza. We wish you all the best for your upcoming match and look forward to seeing your progress in the WONDR tournament!
**Reza:** Thank you for having me! I appreciate the support!
**Editor:** Your next match is against Fang Jiun Kai from Chinese Taipei. What are your thoughts heading into that challenge?
**Reza:** I’m excited and determined. I know Fang Jiun Kai is a strong competitor, having just come off a victory in his previous match. I want to build on the momentum from my last win and put forth my best performance. My goal is to continue improving and to not let the pressure become a burden. Every match is an opportunity to showcase my hard work and skills.
**Editor:** You mentioned earlier that people doubt you. How does that motivate you during this tournament?
**Reza:** Doubt can be a powerful motivator. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by it, I use it as fuel to push harder. I want to prove to myself and to others that I can compete at a high level. That’s why I’m giving my all in every match—this tournament is my chance to show what I can achieve.
**Editor:** With your recent success alongside fellow Indonesian players like Saut and Ikhsan, how does it feel to be part of a supportive team?
**Reza:** It feels fantastic! We motivate each other, sharing tips and strategies. Knowing that we’re all in this together helps enhance our performances. The camaraderie we share is crucial, especially during tough matches. It reminds us that we’re representing not just ourselves but our country as well.
**Editor:** Lastly, if you can share one piece of advice for young players looking up to you, what would that be?
**Reza:** I’d say to focus on your journey and remain patient with your progress. It’s important to be disciplined in practice and to learn from every match, win or lose. Keep believing in yourself and always strive to improve. Hard work and determination can take you far.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Reza. Best of luck in your upcoming match!
**Reza:** Thank you very much! I appreciate your support!
