TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia will face Malaysia in SEA Games 2017 men’s badminton final in Kuala Lumpur today. Indonesia got through to the final after defeating Thailand 3-1. Meanwhile, Malaysia comprehensively beat Singapore 3-0.

Indonesia manager Susy Susanti has earlier predicted that the men’s team would progress to the final. “The loss in the second match I think was because Thai men’s doubles pair was more senior and more experienced. That’s why Fajar/Rian who won easily in the first game could not handle the change in the opponent’s game, they were less brave and a little tense,” she said.

Indonesia won the gold medal in the previous edition of SEA Games. They hold an undefeated record for men’s badminton team.

Read: Indonesia U22 vs Vietnam U22 Ends Goalless in SEA Games 2017

Meanwhile, the last time Malaysia won gold in SEA Games men’s badminton team was in 2005. They are now under the tutelage of Indonesian coach Indra Widjaja. “Our target is gold! Indonesia and Malaysia are both targeting gold in men’s team. We’ll see tomorrow who will win it. I believe that the Indonesian team performed well today, they played the best they could. The final match will be tight at all events,” Indra Widjaja said.

Having seen the high spirits of the host, Susy expects her team not to be afraid and played their best despite Malaysia’s home advantage.

Meanwhile, Indonesia women’s badminton team only managed to secure the silver medal in SEA Games 2017.

ANTARA