Early Promising Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana

JAKARTA The new pair Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana showed a promising start by reaching the quarter-finals of the Japan Open 2024.

The couple got tickets to the last eight after defeating their compatriots, Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Mohammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, with a score of 21-18 and 21-16 at the Yokohama Arena, on Thursday, August 22, 2024, afternoon WIB.

This is the second victory for Leo/Daniel in the tournament after being overhauled from the previous couple.

"Even though it's not good yet, our performance is better than before. In general, our performance is quite good today. Only, as a new couple we will continue to learn," said Leo.

In today's match, Leo/Bagas encounter difficulties only in the first game. They were far behind before finding the rhythm of the game to get up.

As for the second game, they appeared dominating. They are noted to be left behind only at the first point and continue to lead afterwards.

"As a new partner, there are still mistakes, but overall our performances can be said to be better than the previous matches," said Bagas.

In the quarter-finals, Friday, August 23, 2024, Leo/Bagas will meet Japan's representatives, Kenya Mitsuhoshi/Hiroki Okamura. The pair repatriated the Chinese Taipei doubles, Chiu Hsiang Chieh/Wang Chi-Lin.

"After this we will conduct an evaluation with the coach. What is still lacking can be improved for tomorrow's match. Hopefully tomorrow we can perform even better," said Leo.

If they can get past the quarter-finals, Leo/Bagas will likely meet their colleague Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto who is the fourth seed.

Fajar/Rian reached the quarter-finals after rising from the defeat of the first set to repatriate the Malaysian pair, CHOng Hon Jian/Muhammad Haikal.