I

ndonesian men’s singles veteran Sony Dwi Kuncoro made an inspiring return on Sunday as the qualifier snatched the Singapore Open super series badminton title in a satisfying showdown.

“The victory is proof that I’ve still got it. It’s a reward for my hard work,” said the 31-year-old.

In the Sunday match, Sony outclassed world number 10 Son Wan Ho of South Korea in a classic 21-16, 13-21, 21-14 thriller in one hour and three minutes at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The victory was the cherry on top for Sony after he managed to control world number six Lin Dan of China in the semifinals on Saturday, embarrassing the badminton legend with a solid 21-10, 17-21, 22-20 stunner.

“I really enjoyed the match [against Ho]. After I beat Lin, it was all fun for me,” said Sony, a bronze medal winner at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Giving a peak performance, Sony dominated the first game of the finals bout. In the second game, however, he let his self-esteem soar too high, allowing his opponent to take control. Fighting back, Sony managed to confuse Ho, stealing the third game to secure the title.

Sony’s last win in the super series competition was in 2010, also at the Singapore Open. Afterwards, the two-time World Champion, in 2007 and 2009, struggled to get back among the top contenders — which saw him enter the super series as a qualifier.

“After I resigned from the national team, joining a super series was hard enough for me because my world ranking is low, let alone winning it,” said the world number 53.

“As you can see, I was a qualifier at the Singapore Open,” added Sony, who had reportedly been troubled by an injury but declined to elaborate after wrapping up the Singapore victory.

Instead, Sony said he preferred to be grateful for the win, thanks to a strong show of support from his wife, Gading Savitri, who is also his coach and manager.

During the Singapore Open run, Sony beat host Loh Kean Yeaw and B. Sai Praneeth of India in the qualifying round. He also defeated compatriot Anthony Ginting in the first round and Sho Sasaki of Japan in the second round. In the quarters, Sony outwitted Wang Zhengming of China.

Indonesia secured another title at the Singapore Open as Nitya Krishinda Maheswari and Greysia Polii brought home the women’s doubles title following the walkout of Misaki Matsumoto and Ayaka Takahashi of Japan.

Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) chief Gita Wirjawan congratulated Sony as well as Nitya and Greysia on their achievements. He, however, reminded Indonesian shuttlers to elevate themselves even higher ahead of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“We shall not be distracted. Stay focused, especially in preparing for the Olympics,” he added.

Indonesia relies on badminton to bag gold medals at the Olympics.

In other matches on Sunday, Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand snatched the women’s singles title. Ko Sung Hyun and Kim Ha Na of South Korea nailed the mixed doubles, while Fu Haifeng and Zhang Nan won the men’s doubles.
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