Indonesia Masters 2025: Fajar/Rian Comeback To Qualify For The Last 16

JAKARTA - Indonesian men's doubles pair, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, managed to make a comeback to qualify for the second round of the Indonesia Masters 2025.

The former world number one was forced to play three games 13-21, 21-19, and 21-11 against Danish representative Daniel Lundgaard/Mads Vestergaard, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

"Alhamdulillah, I am grateful to be able to get through the first match with a win," said Fajar Alfian after the match to the media crew in the mixed zone area.

After missing the first game, Fajar/Rian were also forced to rise from behind to secure the second game. They then dominated the third game.

During the match, the Danish pair protested several times. Mads Vestergaard even received a yellow card from the referee.

"In my opinion, they are trying too much to delay. We are in consecutive points and they are trying to delay continuously," said Rian.

Fajar/Rian have not found the best performance this year. In the previous two tournaments, at Malaysia and the 2025 India Open, their journey ran aground in the first and second rounds.

Fajar said that the target of winning the Indonesia Masters 2025 would be more motivated. If they are achieved, this will be their first Super 500 title after the Kumamoto Masters in November 2024.

"It was also a challenge for us, motivation also for us. We haven't been able to win for a long time, this is also Super 500. Hopefully, we can answer the challenges," he said.

In the second round, Fajar/Rian will meet the Malaysian pair, Hang Yee Low/Eng Cheong Ng. This is their first competitive clash.

Apart from Fajar/Rian, a ticket for the second half was also obtained by Febriana Dwi Puji Kusuma/Amallia Cahaya Pertiwi. This pair qualified for the second round after beating Hong Kong representative Lui Lok Lok/Tsang Hiu Yan.