JABAR EKSPRES – Indonesia confirmed a place in the Japan Open 2023 semifinals following Hendra Setiawan / Muhammad Ahsan who will face fellow countryman Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Rian Ardianto in the quarter-finals on Friday (7/28).
Hendra/Ahsan just managed to follow Fajar/Rian into the last eight after defeating South Korean representatives Kang Min Hyuk/Seo Seung Jae through a rubber game 12-21, 21-10, 21-19, Thursday (7/27).
“Saying thank God for being able to get through today’s match with a win. The match was not easy but we made it through,” Ahsan was quoted as saying in a PBSI written statement.
Despite having difficulties in the first game, the couple who are familiarly called The Daddies were not discouraged and focused on winning the second game and picking up victory in the final game.
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“When we moved the field in the third game interval, we were more brave to play with our pattern. We were also bolder in defense and attack. The opponent also seemed to have difficulty on the side of the field that lost the wind,” Ahsan said.
“On the side of the field in the first game and the beginning of the third game, the wind was indeed lost, it was very pronounced, so when we hit the return attack we were all responsible. Moreover, Korean couples have quite strong power. Meanwhile, the other side of the field is very comfortable to attack,” added Hendra.
Asked about their preparation to face Fajar/Rian, The Daddies said they would focus on restoring their physical condition to prime again.
“We want to rest, restore the condition first. Tomorrow we will prepare to face Fajar/Rian,” said Ahsan.
“We certainly don’t want to lose against Fajar / Rian,” added Hendra.
On the other hand, Fajar / Rian immediately advanced to the Japan Open 2023 quarter-finals, after their opponents in the second round, Kim Astrup / Anders Skaarup Rasmussen from Denmark, decided to withdraw.
