Korea Masters 2023: Kevin/Rahmat Sweet Debut Escapes To The Second Round

JAKARTA - Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Rahmat Hidayat made their sweet debut at the Korea Masters 2023 by qualifying for the second round after their opponents resigned.

Kevin/Rahmat won the first set with a score of 21-18 before the host representative Jin Jong/Ki Dong Ju withdrew in the second set in a position behind 17-11 in Gwangju Women's University Stadium, Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

The Korean pair could not continue the match due to an injury to Ki Dong Ju. "Our Sympathy is for Ki Dong Ju. Hopefully the injury will not be too serious," said Rahmat after the match.

"But apart from that, we feel that our game is quite good. The adaptation is running smoothly and there are no significant obstacles, we just need to anticipate it in wind conditions," he added.

This is Kevin/Rahmat's first win since it was paired on June 28. They were previously always delayed from their debut before taking part in this Super 300 BWF level event.

"I am also very happy to finally debut with Kevin. On the field, he reminded several times to anticipate and maintain the return of the opponent's ball," said Rahmat.

Kevin also agreed with what Rahmat said. Even though as a new couple and the first to participate in an official tournament, their game has been so satisfying.

"It's true, said Rahmat, we played quite well, but of course as a new partner there must still be improvements so that it can be even better," he said.

Kevin last took part in an official tournament at the Singapore Open last June. At that time, he was still with his old partner Marcus Fernaldi Gideon.

At that time their journey was stopped in the second half after losing to the Japanese pair, Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi.

"I'm happy to be back in competitive matches, but earlier I admitted that I didn't get a chance to win and feel like I was playing either. But in the second game, it started to get better," said Kevin.

In another match, Alwi Farhan's men's singles were also secured. Alwi beat Chinese Taipei Kuo Kuan Lin to enter the main round.

In the main round later, Alwi will face the seventh seed from Japan, Koki Watanabe.