Indonesian shuttlers have proved to the world they mean business by snatching two titles at the recently ended Yonex French Super Series Premiere 2017, the Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu pair won the women’s doubles title and the 2016 Rio Gold medalist pair of Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir took the mixed doubles title.

The French Super Series victory, which Liliyana won while still under treatment for various injuries, marks her 50th professional title in the sport.

Commenting on the win, Liliyana said her previous experience in various world tournaments had solidified her strategy. Liliyana, as quoted by badmintonindonesia.org, also acknowledged that her previous wins over the Chinese pair of Zeng Siwei and Chen Qing Chen had helped her to remain focused during the match.

“The key is always maintaining good communication with your partner and remaining calm in every situation,” she said.

Liliyana’s coach Richard Mainaky praised Liliyana pointing out that few other Indonesian shuttlers had traveled as far as she had.

“This is her golden period and she is still able to collect more titles,” he told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

During her professional career, Liliyana collected a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Tontowi Ahmad after defeating their Malaysian opponents Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying in straight sets of 21-14 and 21-21-12.

Partnering with Nova Widiyanto in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Liliyana grabbed silver medal as the pair had to bow out to the South Korean pair of Lee Yong-dae and Lee Hyo-jung in straight sets of 11-21 and 17-21.

The pair also bagged four gold medals from the 2017, 2013, 2007 and 2005 world championships, among others.

Former national shuttler Yuni Kartika said Liliyana’s huge achievement meant so much for both the country and her teammates.

“Liliyana is a legend. It’s hard to imagine that a shuttler could collect 50 titles in so many tournaments,” she said.

Yuni added that by winning those titles, Liliyana had spread the good news about Indonesia the world over. She also highlighted Liliyana’s adaptability as she could partner with almost any shuttler, including her juniors.

“Her 2008 partner Nova is now a coach while Liliyana is still on the field and playing with her junior partner and she has made it very well,” she said.

Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI) secretary-general Achmad Budiharto, however, reminded that the pair still had future targets to achieve, the Super Series Final in Dubai, which will be organized this year and next year’s Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra.

“I am positive that the pair can gain even more medals in the future,” Achmad said.