TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Men's Doubles Muhammad Ahsan/ Hendra Setiawan became the only hope for Indonesia to win a championship in Super series Premier Badminton Tournament Djarum Indonesian Open 2013 in Jakarta.
Ahsan/Hendra defeated Vladimir Ivanov/Ivan Sozonov from Russia with the scores of 21-10, 20-22, 21-14 in the semifinals at Istora Gelora Bung Karno Jakarta, Saturday, June 15. "We are grateful to proceed to the finals," said Ahsan. "I am actually quite nervous during the game today because we are the only ones from Indonesia moving to the finals." However, he added, supports from the audience give them motivations to win.
Commenting on their previous performance against Ivanov/Sozonov last night, "They changed the game pattern and became more offensive," said Ahsan. "But that is a game, sometimes we offend, sometimes we defend."
Ahsan claimed to have burdens for the final game today, Sunday, June 16. "We will try. At least, if they won against us, they had to get it with lots of sweat." Ahsan/Hendra would challenge World No. 1 Men's Doubles from South Korea Sung Hyun Ko/Lee Yong Dae.
GADI MAKITAN