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Home support not enough to lift Indonesians to quarters
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High hitting: Indonesian men’s doubles pair Mohammad Ahsan (left) and Hendra Setiawan (right) competes against Germany’s Mark Lamfuss and Marvin Seidel in the second round of the 2019 Blibli Indonesia Open badminton tournament in Jakarta on Thursday. The Indonesians won 21-16, 21-17. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
D
espite having the full support of the home crowd at the Istora Senayan indoor stadium in Central Jakarta, all Indonesians but one competing in singles events at the 2019 Blibli Indonesia Open failed to advance to the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Indonesia’s last hope in the women’s singles category, Gregoria Mariska, nearly surprised in a match against seventh-seeded Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand.
Claiming the first game 21-13, Gregoria had the chance to secure a ticket to the quarterfinals, matching Ratchanok’s game with some good ball placement. However, the Thai national’s experience in dealing with pressure in critical moments proved valuable in her 21-19 win in the second game to force a decider.
Gregoria’s quickness declined in the deciding game, resulting in sloppier footwork. Ratchanok took advantage of this to take the lead before closing out the game 21-15 to seal a quarterfinal spot, where she will play world number one Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei on Friday.
“Compared to the last meeting, Gregoria now moves faster. But her speed was decreasing in the second and third games and this influenced her shuttle placement, which was not [as dangerous as in the first game],” Ratchanok said.
“I think that she tried to win in two games since I know that her fitness is not that strong as other players but she has good skill, especially her handwork, which sometimes confuses me.”
Gregoria’s second-round loss means that Indonesia is without any representatives in the women’s singles. Fitriani, Ruselli Hartawan and Lianny Mainaky exited the tournament earlier in the first round.
