Indonesia Masters 2024: Bagas/Fikri Overcome China's Representative With 64 Minutes

JAKARTA - Bagas Maulana/Muhammad men's doubles pair Shohibul Fikri managed to get through the first round of the 2024 Indonesia Masters.

They set foot in the round of 16, after overcoming representatives of China, Chen Bo Yang/Liu Yi, through a rubber game with a score of 21-16, 17-21, and 21-17 within 64 minutes at Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, January 23, 2024, evening WIB.

"It was very different on the field. Because the supporters supported a lot, we were even more enthusiastic. The game was not easy. Point after point was very intense. The pursuit was exciting," said Fikri after the match.

Bagas/Fikri's success made all four Indonesian representatives in the men's doubles qualify for the second round.

Previously, three tickets had been secured by Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, and Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.

In the second round, Bagas/Fikri will meet Akira Koga/Taichi Saito. The Japanese pair qualified for the second round after winning over Lu Ching Yao/Yang Po Han (China Taipei).

"(In the second half) the game was like that again, at least. The focus on the field can survive. Don't throw away a lot of balls and die alone. It wasn't too much compared to before. Yes, at least the same as before," said Fikri.

This is the first round of 16 for Bagas/Fikri earlier this year from the three tournaments they have participated in. In the previous two tournaments at the Malaysia Open and India Open 2024, this pair always ran aground in the first round.