The Indonesian badminton team is optimistic and ready to fight for the quarter-finals in the 2024 Thomas Cup and Uber Cup. The Indonesian Thomas Team is challenged by South Korea, while the Uber team will fight against Thailand in the match which will take place at the Hi Tech Zona Sports Center Gymnasium, Chengdu, China, Friday (3/5).
Thomas’ team will focus on securing points in the doubles sector. The reason is, South Korea has a fairly strong partner. Indonesian men’s doubles coach, Aryono Miranat, said he would field the best pair.
“Indeed, the Korean team is strong in both doubles and in the team they are really ready. So we will prepare the best pair who are also ready. We can’t lose both, we have to win at least one win in the doubles,” said Aryono, Thursday ( 2/5).
“A typical Korean double is the density of play both in defense and attack. Their ball drives are also very good so we have to be aware of that,” he added.
In the group stage, Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri were the pair who appeared most consistently three times and always contributed points. In the final Group C match against defending champions India, Bagas/Fikri were able to win over Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty.
Meanwhile, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto were not included in the last match. Fajar/Rian appeared twice and lost once against Thailand. The pair Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin played twice and always contributed points.
Also read: Thomas Cup and Uber Cup teams confirm they are ready to fight
The Thomas Indonesia team will aim for two wins in the singles and one in the doubles sector. On the other hand, South Korea’s strength will rely on pairs such as Kang Min Hyuk/Seo Seung Jae and Ki Dong Ju/Kim Won Ho as well as single Lee Yun Gyu.
Jonathan Christie and his friends must be vigilant even though their meeting record in the Thomas Cup is often superior to that of South Korea.
The reason is, Indonesia swallowed a bitter pill when at the Asian Games Hangzhou was eliminated by South Korea. In the 2024 Asian Team Championship, Indonesia also lost to South Korea in the group stage. No wonder, this meeting is an opportunity to avenge defeat.
Also read: Fajar Alfian and Apriyani Rahayu become Captains of the Indonesian Thomas-Uber Team
“Indeed, we had a bad experience against the Korean team in the last tournaments, especially the Asian Games. But that is our motivation to perform better, enjoy the match more and enjoy ourselves more. So we can play better,” said Jonatan Christie.
“Tomorrow we will treat it like a final, we will perform as hard as we can, fight as hard as possible. We will let God control the results, but we have to show a fighting spirit, because that will affect our friends who will compete next,” he added.
Head of the PBSI Binpres, Ricky Soebagdja, stated that whoever the opponent is, it will not be easy because they are already in the knockout round. In terms of readiness, Thomas’ team must increase their enthusiasm and cooperation, especially after winning over India as capital to increase their confidence.
Also read: This is the Indonesian squad for the 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup
“Indeed, in at least the last two meetings we lost to Korea, but for now the count is three singles and two doubles. Ideally we have to take two singles and one doubles to win,” said Ricky.
“In terms of opportunities, looking at rankings and so on, the hope is not to miss out on two singles, first and second singles. After that, you can take one doubles,” he added.
Reflecting on the last performance against India, Ricky believes there is great potential for Thomas’ team to win over South Korea. Even so, the Korean team’s fighting power must be watched out for and must not provide opportunities for opponents to develop.
Uber Team Ready to Face Thailand
Meanwhile, the Uber Indonesia team facing Thailand is also expected to perform vigorously. Even though Thailand has always been thwarted in the last two editions, Ricky is sure that the Uber Indonesia team this time has the same chance.
Gregoria Mariska Tunjung and friends gained valuable capital when they played against Japan in the last group match even though they lost 2-3. The strategy of fielding players will be very crucial in the match against Thailand.
“(The chances are) fifty-fifty but this team event is all about strategy. So the coaching team and I will discuss how to prepare the team as well as possible. The strength in first singles is Gregoria, then Ester and Komang with yesterday’s performance can increase motivation and confidence, said Ricky.
“The first doubles Apriyani/Fadia, which has not yet played in full, could be played. I hope everyone can show their best ability and play without burden,” he said.
(Z-9)
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