Fajar / Rian Win Men's Doubles Title at 2023 All England

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - World number one pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto won the men's doubles title at the All England 2023 badminton championships after defeating their compatriots Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan with a score of 21-17 and 21-14 in just 34 minutes. The match took place in Birmingham, England, on Sunday evening, March 19, 2023.

Fajar said after the match that Ahsan / Hendra looked exhausted because they had played rubber games since the quarter-finals and semifinals. “So maybe they were not fresh and fit. We tried several times to increase our speed and power and they were overwhelmed,” said Fajar as quoted from the Indonesian Badminton Association’s (PBSI) official statement on Sunday.

This title is extraordinary to him, especially since he went through many challenges before the tournament. “When returning from the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships, I got my hip injured and was admitted to the hospital. There were two weeks of practice but I only get one effective week. It was quite disturbing the preparation, that's why I didn't expect to win.”

“Thank you to PBSI, the trainers, and the medical team who have always believed in me even though I wasn't in 100 percent. Every game is important but we are delighted to have won two Super 1000 titles this year. Next, we target the Asian Championships and then the World Championships,” Fajar said optimistically

Meanwhile, Rian said he was grateful that the match went smoothly and without injury. “First of all, thank God I can play smoothly and without injury. We are extremely happy but at the same time, we feel sad because, at the closing points of the match, Bang Ahsan was injured. We hope Bang Ahsan will recover soon and return to competition.” Rian said. 

Rian said the support of those closest relatives allowed them to get up and reach this point, 2023 All England badminton championships. “They are always there to motivate and it must be remembered that after this tournament, we are nobody so we have to keep fighting and giving our best.”

SAPTO YUNUS

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