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RI, Malaysia set up ideal badminton final

The Indonesian men’s badminton squad has set up an ideal final battle with Malaysia in the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games after outclassing Thailand 3-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia

Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post)
Kuala Lumpur
Thu, August 24, 2017

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RI, Malaysia set up ideal badminton final

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he Indonesian men’s badminton squad has set up an ideal final battle with Malaysia in the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games after outclassing Thailand 3-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia.

Malaysia earned a spot in the final after crushing Singapore 3-1.

The Indonesian men’s team has clinched victory in all of the past five Games.

In Wednesday’s battle, favorite Jonatan Christie, 19, delivered on his promise, taking out Khosit Phuangphuapet 21-6, 21-18.

In the second match, however, men’s doubles pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto lost to Bodin Isara and Nipitphon Phuangphuangpet 21-13, 21-15, 21-16.

Ihsan Maulana Mustafa made amends in the third match by winning 21-14, 21-15 against Suppanyu Avihingsanon.

“I tried to keep myself away from being too emotional. I also screamed a lot to motivate myself,” Ihsan told The Jakarta Post after the match.

“I also screamed a lot because there were only a few Indonesians there [to motivate me],” he added.

In the decisive fourth match, men’s double pair Berry Angriawan and Hardianto defeated Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh 27-25, 21-15.

“I think the key to our victory was being calm. Not being intimidated by anything. In the first set, we were already focusing well. After winning the first set, we became even more confident,” Berry said.

Facing Malaysia in the final will not be an easy task for Indonesia, especially as the host country will likely come out with an even bigger number of supporters at the Axiata Indoor Badminton Arena.

Coach Aryono Miranat said a good mentality was the most important element for an athlete to win.

“Being mentally ready is what they need. Malaysia might come with a large number of supporters [on Thursday],” he said, adding that both Indonesian and Malaysian shuttlers were on the same level in terms of skill.

During the Wednesday’s semifinal match between Malaysia and Singapore, Malaysian supporters looked happy supporting their national team. Their cheers echoed throughout the indoor arena.

“That might be intimidating, but we know we should focus. If we focus, we will forget if the [opposing] supporters are there,” Hardianto said.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian women’s badminton squad collected a bronze medal after being beaten 3-0 by the Malaysians on the fourth day of the Games.

Earlier in the day, shuttler Fitriani opened the contest against Malaysia’s Soniia Cheah, but lost 21-17, 21-17.

Playing against the Malaysians, who were cheered by their supporters, Fitriani received nothing but attacks in the first game.

She tried to catch up in the second game, but Cheah eventually defeated her.

Ni Ketut Mahadewi Istarani and Rosyita Eka Putri Sari played in the second match against Vivian Ho and Woon Khe Wei. However, the match ended early at 7-5 for Malaysia, as Rosyita injured her left knee and could not continue. The winning point was automatically awarded to the host team.

In the third match, Hanna Ramadini failed to surprise the spectators as she was also defeated by Goh Jin Wei 21-13, 21-16.

“Our athletes played at a low level. We were defeated in the first match and in the second match Malaysia benefited from Rosyita’s injury.

“Meanwhile, Hanna played under pressure because we had already lost in the first match,” said Susy Susanti, the Indonesian badminton team manager for the Games.

Echoing Susi, Hannah acknowledged that she felt under pressure because of the two previous losses.

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