Badminton Asia Junior Championships 2023: Libas Thailand, Indonesia Advances To The Final Round

Indonesian women's singles, Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari. (Photo: Doc. PBSI)

JAKARTA The women's singles Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari brought Indonesia through to the final of the 2023 Badminton Asia Junior Championships (AJC) after securing a third victory against Thailand.

Mutiara, who is the winner of the Indonesia International Series 2022, confirmed that Indonesia qualified for the final after defeating Saranporn Sombutthananukool 17-21, 21-7, and 21-18 at GOR Amongrogo, Yogyakarta, Monday, July 10, 2023 evening.

This result made Indonesia move to the top round with a convincing score of 3-0.

In this match, the women's singles who were born on May 17, 2006 admitted that they were burdened. The reason is, when fighting China in the Group A phase, he failed to contribute points for Indonesia after giving up two games against Xu Wen Jing.

"Today's victory was mixed. I was not confident and had pressure because on the opportunity against China I could not maximize it," said Mutiara.

Mutiara's victory cannot be separated from the continuous support of his colleagues in the stands. In addition, the audience who attended the stadium also spurred Mutiara's enthusiasm.

This made the Slovenia International 2021 champion even more enthusiastic and finally won and became the determinant of Indonesia's success in qualifying for the final.

"I am grateful to my colleagues who have provided totality support for me. I have been thinking throughout the match so that I can give the best for those who have provided support for me," said Mutiara.

Before Mutiara's victory, Indonesia first opened the scoring through mixed doubles Adrian Pratama/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu. Both of them gave Indonesia the lead after defeating Tanakorn Meechai/Fungfa Korpthammakit with a score of 21-13, 21-15.

Indonesian team captain Alwi Farhan then doubled his lead after defeating Nachakorn Pusri through a rubber game 19-21, 21-8, 21-11.

Indonesia's 3-0 victory over Thailand brought the Red-White team to the final and will meet Japan, who in the previous match won over Chinese Taipei with a score of 3-1.

The following are the results of the Indonesia vs Thailand semifinal match:

Mixed doubles: Adrian Pratama/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu vs Tanakorn Meechai/Fungfa Korpthammakit 21-13, 21-15

Men's Singles: Alwi Farhan Vs Nachakorn Pusri 19-21, 21-8, 21-11

Women's Singles: Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari vs Saranporn Sombutwatthanukool 17-21, 21-7, 21-18

Men's Doubles: Muhammad Al Farizi/Nikolaus Joaquin vs Phuwanat Horbanluekit/Thanadol Yunmongkol (not competed)

Women's Doubles: Anisanaya Kamila/Az Zahra Ditya Friendly Vs Hathaikhip Mijad/Patida Srisawat (not competed)