TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian mixed doubles, Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir, is off to round 2 of the 2014 BCA Indonesia Open Super Series Premier. In the first game, Tontowi/Liliyana succeeded in defeating Michael Fuchs/Birgit Michels 21-16, 18-21 and 21-19.
Performing at Istora Senayan Jakarta, Tontowi/Liliyana must work hard to defeat the German couple. In the first game, the score was racing in the early minutes. However Tontowi/Liliyana leads further away making the score to becoming 10-5. The second world-ranked couple closed the first game with 21-16.
Entering the second round, Fuchs/Michels gave pressure and left behind Tontowi/Liliyana with 11-5 score. Providing resistance, the 2014 All England champion succeeds to even the score to 13-13. Fuchs/Michels closed the second round with a victory of 21-18.
In the first minutes of the third round, Tontowi/Liliyana leads 3-0. Fuchs/Michels fought back. An excessive protest occured from Fuchs due to the referee’s decision. However it did not break the concentration of Tontowi/Liliyana.
After a fierce struggle, Tontowi/Liliyana ended the third round with a victory. Liliyana’s hard hit towards Michels that failed to be returned closed the game in the third set.
Liliyana said the next match is unpredictable since the participants' strength is equaling. "[We] must be cautious and not underestimate the opponent."
ADITYA BUDIMAN
