Two Titles Set Off Optimism

Two champion titles from the Indonesia Masters 2023 tournament raise optimism for the greater achievements of Indonesia’s badminton team this year.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Indonesian men's singles badminton player, Jonatan Christie won a gold medal and trophy after defeating fellow Indonesian player, Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo in the final of the 2023 Daihatsu Indonesia Masters Tournament at Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan, Jakarta, Sunday (29/1/2023). Jonathan won 21-15, 21-13.

In the men’s singles, an all-Indonesian final was realized with Jonatan “Jojo” Christie versus Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo. Jojo emerged as champion after winning two games with 21-15 and 21-13.

Before the peak match, both their struggles in the semifinal are worthy of note. Jojo won the match against Shi Yu Qi (China) in three sets, 21-13, 15-21 and 21-19. Chico also won three games, 17-21, 27-25 and 22-20, against Ng Ka Long Angus (Hong Kong).

The three-set victories in the semifinal proved Jojo and Chico’s determination. Their resolve to win really was demonstrated in the matches. That the all-Indonesian final occurred amid the absence of several top-level players, one of them being the shuttler from Denmark, Viktor Axelsen, is true. Axelsen was absent in the Indonesia Masters due to selective tournament choice, as the level of Indonesia Masters was super 500.

Also read: Good Results for the Paris Olympics

However, the all-Indonesian final in the Indonesia Masters still serves as evidence of the team’s growth. The last time this realized was 15 years ago in 2008, when the all-Indonesian final emerged during the Indonesia Open between Sony Dwi Kuncoro and Simon Santoso.

In the semifinal, Chico lost the first the first game to Ng Ka Long Angus, and was left behind in the second until the score 17-18. Thanks to his persistence, Chico finished the second game with 27-25, and 22-20 for the third. Evidently it was not an easy match.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Indonesian men's doubles badminton player, Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin competes against Chinese players, He Ji Ting/Zhou Hao Dong, in the final of the 2023 Daihatsu Indonesia Masters Tournament at Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan, Jakarta, Sunday (29/1/2023) . Leo/Daniel won 21-17, 21-16..

In previous rounds, both finalists also beat seeded players. Jojo as the fourth seed eliminated Lakhsya Sen (India), the seventh seed, in the quarter final. Chico defeated the third seed, Loh Kean Yew (Singapore), in the 16th round.

Apart from men’s singles, Indonesia was victorious in men’s doubles with the success of Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin. Leo/Daniel beat China’s double, He Ji Ting/Zhou Hao Dong, 21-17 and 21-16 in the final.

The emergence of Leo and Daniel as champions at the same time confirms our domination in men’s doubles. When men’s top double Fajar Alfian/M Rian Ardianto failed in the quarter final, Leo/Daniel got through by defeating second seed Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi (Japan) in the semifinal.

Also read:

> Many Firsts for Fajar and Rian

> The Pride from the New Generation

The spirit of never giving up displayed by the champions should be maintained for the sake of upcoming achievements and as inspiration for other athletes.

Furthermore, in May 2023, the calculation of points toward the Paris Olympics 2024 will begin. Indonesian badminton players need to maintain their performance at the world elite level. Even a slight decline will make it hard to return to the top level.

Indonesia is known as the world’s top-ranked badminton country. This is proven by our various achievements, including consistently earning gold medals at the Olympics. Sustaining these accomplishments requires extraordinary sacrifices on the part of athletes, coaches, patrons and all relevant parties.

This article was translated by Aris Prawira.