Singapore Open 2023: Jonathan And Fajar/Rian's Steps Immediately Stopped In The First Round

The pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto were eliminated in the first round of the Singapore Open 2023. (Photo: Twitter/@INABadminton)

JAKARTA Two mainstays of Indonesia, namely the men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Jonatan Christie's men's singles, were immediately stopped in the first round of the Singapore Open 2023.

Fajar/Rian as the first seed in the BWF Super 750 event returned early after losing two straight games 15-21 and 18-21 to the British pair, Ben Lane/Sean Vendy, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

This is the third defeat Fajar/Rian got from their four total meetings so far or the second in a row after last year's French Open.

"The opponent does play bolder and without a burden. They are very ready to prepare a strategy. When we get points, fight break," Fajar said after the match in a statement received.

Meanwhile, Jonathan, who is the sixth seed, had to leave early after losing to China's representative, Shi Yuqi. Jonathan was forced into two straight games 19-21 and 12-21.

"Of course I'm not satisfied with this result. Not only about defeat, but in terms of appearance, it's also not as expected. I should have been better. In the match, I made a lot of mistakes myself and was less calm," said Jonathan.

Fajar/Rian and Jonatan are two of the four representatives who were confirmed to have lost in the first round. The other two representatives who were also eliminated were mixed doubles Dejan Ferdinansyah/Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja and women's doubles Lanny Tria Mayasari/Ribka Sugiarto.

Dejan/Gloria lifted the suitcase after being stopped by Danish representatives Mathias Thyrri/Amalie Magelund. Meanwhile, Lanny/Ribka surrendered in the hands of their compatriot Febriana Dwi Puji Kusuma/Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi.

"It's nice to win and go forward to the second half. But sad too because we have to beat our own friends. Earlier we still performed optimally to win the game," said Febriana.

Apart from Febriana/Amalia, the second round ticket was also obtained by the pair Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin. The 2019 junior world champion pair defeated Thailand's representatives, Supak Jomkoh/Kittinupong Kedren.