INDONESIA is certain to secure a place in the final of the 2024 Korea Open after the men’s doubles Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Daniel Marthin and Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana made an all-Indonesian semifinal on Saturday (31/8).
Fikri/Daniel followed Leo/Bagas into the top four after winning 22-20, 13-21, 21-16 over second seeds from China He Ji Ting/Ren Xiang Yu in the quarter-finals in Mokpo, Friday (30/8).
“Meeting your own friends in the semifinals will definitely be really exciting and definitely not easy because each of you already knows the strengths and weaknesses of each partner. The important thing is to just focus on yourself. Alhamdulillah, there will definitely be an Indonesian representative in the final,” said Fikri as reported by Between.
Fikri/Daniel admitted that overall they were good, even though they still often made their own mistakes, especially in the second game.
“Earlier, communication on the field also went well. Thank God, in the third game we played very well. At the beginning we were able to perform well. We were just under pressure. But we were finally able to get out of the pressure and win,” said Fikri.
“The key to the victory was a good start. In the third game, we immediately led 8-0. That was enough to increase our confidence. There was a point gap that we could maintain. Also, the front game had to win. We could play more neatly. If there was a ball going up, it felt better for Daniel,” he added.
Also read: Men’s Doubles Coach Gives Notes on the Failure of Leo/Daniel and Bagas/Fikri at the 2024 French Open
Daniel added that they must be more prepared and not be careless when they are far ahead of their opponents when competing in the semifinals later. “Qualifying for the semifinals, of course, we each have our own targets. We also want to achieve it. And thank God we can do our best to meet our own colleagues in the semifinals tomorrow,” said Daniel.
“Of course we also want to win tomorrow. Surely tomorrow’s match will not be easy. Therefore, we have to prepare from now. I feel whoever is more prepared will win,” he continued.
Leo/Bagas secured their place in the top four after defeating home pair Choi Sol Gyu/Heo Kwang Hee 21-17, 21-17 in the other quarter-final. (Z-6)
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