Jabar Ekspres – Singapore men’s singles badminton athlete Loh Kean Yew said he did not want to be complacent and let his guard down after securing a ticket to the last 16 of the Indonesia Open 2023.
“Yes, I am happy to be able to step into the next round. It’s still just the beginning, (the journey) is not over yet, and I will just focus,” Loh said when met after the round of 32 match at Istora Senayan Jakarta, Wednesday.
The 2021 world champion made his way to the second round after defeating Indonesian representative Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo through two straight games 21-15 and 23-21. According to Loh, Chico played quite well and his victory this time is a sweet “revenge” after the Singaporean athlete’s defeat to Chico at the 2023 SEA Games.
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“It was difficult at the end of this match, but yes this was a good match. Chico played well, in the first game not too good but after that he was able to reverse the momentum, and I think he did his best game after that,” said Loh.
Furthermore, the world number five said that the atmosphere of the crowd at Istora Senayan was a spark for him.
“Yes, the audience makes the atmosphere more exciting. It’s a very good atmosphere, but overall I just try to focus on myself,” said Loh.
“I think in this moment I just lowered my expectations, and I just showed my best game. For me, the positive things that came my way after that were the bonuses of that effort,” he added.
With this victory, Loh Kean Yew will meet Chinese representative Li Shi Feng in the round of 16 of the Super 1000 BWF tournament. Li previously defeated Lee Cheuk Yiu from Hong Kong in the first round through a rubber game 21-18, 9-21, and 21-19.
