Appearing Gemilang, Bagas And Fikri Defeat India's Men's Doubles In The 2024 Thomas Cup

JAKARTA - A fierce battle broke out between the men's doubles Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri against India Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty. In the 2024 Thomas Cup match which took place at the Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium Chengdu, the Indonesian pair won quite dramatically.

With a score of 24-22, 22-24, 21-19, the match lasted 76 minutes for Indonesia's victory. With this the score of the two countries returned to a draw, 1-1.

"Alhamdulillah, I can win, give points for Indonesia. The game from start to finish is fierce and difficult to find points," said Fikri as quoted by ANTARA, met after the match.

The first game was so exciting with the two pairs playing fast and attacking. At the start of the game, Bagas/Fikri were far behind 7-3 and 11-9, but, after halftime, the world number nine pair put more pressure until they finally turned ahead and won the first matchpoint 20-18.

At that critical point, Rankireddy/Shetty were able to equalize the score 20-20 and 22-22 before finally the first game victory was won by Bagas/Fikri 24-22.

Turning to the second game, the Indonesian representative took to the field more confidently and implemented a strategy and focus more or less the same as the previous game.

Rapid attacks and hard smashes of Bagas/Fikri proved to bear fruit by winning the second game interval 11-6. Rankireddy/Shetty also seemed to have difficulty developing their game and trailed 8 points from the winner of the All England Open 2022, 8-16.

However, the world number four men's doubles can rise from pressure and suppress Bagas/Fikri in critical moments so that they can equalize 20-20, 21-21.

Bagas/Fikri then won their eighth matchpoint 22-21, before finally Rankireddy/Shetty equalized again on the scoreboard 22-22 and forced the rubber game after winning with an identical score 24-22.

"We lost focus in the second game, the tension came out again and the opponent because the difference in points was far away, instead made them play nothing to lose," said Fikri.

"Honestly, I feel sorry and really sorry, we should have won a straight game," Bagas added.

The deciding game was tough with the two pairs appearing aggressively. It didn't take long for Bagas/Fikri to immediately win the 19-14 advantage, until they finally recorded a third game victory with a score of 21-19.

"The important thing is to encourage each other, maintain focus, and Koh Aryono (the men's doubles coach) also maintains our communication," said Fikri.