JABAR EKSPRES – Mixed doubles Praveen Jordan / Melati Daeva Oktavianti reaped unpleasant results in the first round of the Japan Open 2023 after being defeated by host representatives Yuta Watanabe / Arisa Higashino at Yoyogi 1st Stadium, Tokyo, Tuesday (7/25).
Praveen / Melati admitted that they stuttered when facing Yuta / Arisa because they had not met for a long time. Finally the Indonesian duo had to recognize the superiority of the opponent with a final score of 13-21, 8-21.
“We were still remembering how to fight them. We haven’t met for a long time and we admit that the opponent is superior,” Praveen said through written information from PP PBSI in Jakarta.
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Praveen said their defeat to the world number 2 pair was purely due to the superior quality of the opponent’s game. Meanwhile, from a technical point of view, Praveen ensured that there were no obstacles faced.
“Field conditions are normal, there are no problems,” he added.
The 27th-ranked mixed doubles had provided resistance in the first game. But the opponent so quickly found the best rhythm of the game, until finally able to seize the advantage.
“Actually at the beginning of the first game we were able to take control of the game. We won a few points but Yuta/Arisa quickly found the rhythm of their game. From there we had difficulty getting out of the pressure,” Melati said.
Since they last met at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (2021), Melati admits that many changes have occurred in the opponent’s game. Moreover, Melati and Praveen need time to adapt, which unfortunately becomes an opening for the home representative to control the game.
“Their serve is good, earlier I felt the ball stopped a bit so it was difficult to return it. It doesn’t fit my shot,” said Melati about her game.
