Japan Open 2024: Ester Extends Domination

JAKARTA Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo successfully extended her journey after winning over the Thai women's singles, Pornpicha Choeikeewong, in the first round of the Japan Open 2024.

In the clash at Yokohama Arena, Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Ester won two straight games 21-14 and 21-17 to secure the ticket to the second round of the BWF Super 750 level tournament.

Apart from being able to extend her slick record of Pornpicha, this victory was also Ester's first win at the level tournament.

"Praise God I was able to get the opportunity to appear in the super 750 level tournament at the Japan Open for the first time. I definitely have to learn more to improve my performance because I will meet more senior and experienced players," said Ester after the match.

This victory is Ester's fifth win over Pornpicha from a total of six of their competitive or fourth consecutive clashes since she lost in 2020.

In this latest clash, Ester appeared so dominating in the first game and chased numbers in the second game. He was several times behind, but managed to get out of the pressure.

"In the second game, the opponent started to change the way he played. The opponent also increased the tempo faster. There I wavered."

"Fortunately in the second game interval I could change quickly. So I was able to regain control of the game and win the game," said Ester.

Ester is the sixth representative of Indonesia to qualify for the second round of the tournament. He followed five representatives who previously won on the first day of the tournament, Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

The five representatives who have already passed are Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana, Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo, Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati, and Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.