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It will be my last Indonesia Open, says Liliyana Natsir
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Indonesia's Liliyana Natsir (front) and Tontowi Ahmad celebrate after winning the mixed doubles title at the 2017 Indonesia Open badminton tournament in Jakarta on June 18, 2017. Liliyana said on Monday she would play her last Indonesia Open in the 2018 edition, which starts on Tuesday. (JP/Seto Wardhana.)
I
ndonesian specialist in mixed doubles Liliyana Natsir will bid farewell to the Indonesia Open badminton tournament as she will play in the event for the last time.
The predicted, yet still shocking announcement was made on Monday when Liliyana attended a press conference for the 2018 open, which will run from Tuesday to Sunday.
The 32-year-old made a few jokes before dropping the farewell plan.
“Most likely, this will be my last Indonesia Open.
But, I don’t want to think that this is my last appearance, so I need to achieve greater things and not let it disrupt my performance. I just want to give my best,” she said.
Most badminton lovers have sensed Liliyana’s possible retirement as she has won almost all of badminton's prestigious titles.
Winning top-level tournaments, including the All England, World Championships and Olympics, Liliyana is Indonesia’s brand of a true champion.
Liliyana, with partner Tontowi Ahmad, won the Indonesia Open last year. She, however, has yet to win an Asian Games gold medal, which is her target in the event in August and September.
“[Tontowi] hopes that I may change my mind but I think that I will retire by the end of this year,” said Liliyana.
