All England 2025: Two Defending Champions Fall

JAKARTA - Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Jonatan Christie who are defending champions of All England both had to lift their suitcases in the second round of the tournament in this year's edition.

Fajar/Rian, who are the fourth seed, followed in Jonathan's footsteps after losing against South Korean representatives, Kang Min-hyuk/Ki Dong-ju, in a rubber game 18-21, 27-25, and 21-23 on Thursday, March 13, 2025, evening WIB.

"Thank you to all those who have supported, we apologize for not making it to the next round," said Fajar after the match.

Fajar/Rian came to All England not only as champions but also champions in the last two editions. They went there with the target of winning three consecutive times in the world's oldest event.

The former world number one doubles last year rose to the highest podium after defeating the Malaysian pair, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik. As for the 2023 edition, they stopped Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan.

Fajar/Rian's defeat made the men's doubles number at All England this year with the Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Mohammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani and Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana.

"Obviously disappointed, but the name of the match, there was a win and there was a loss. Whatever the result, we are still grateful. We have tried our best, but it is not yet sustenance," said Rian.

Before Fajar/Rian's defeat, Jonathan had already failed to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament after losing to India's men's singles, Lakshya Sen, two straight games.

Jonathan last year came out of the championship after finals stopping compatriot Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, who this year withdrew from All England because he was not ready to go down after injury.

Indonesia has a total of four representatives who have penetrated the quarter-finals this year. Apart from Leo/Bagas and Sabar/Reza, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung and Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja also obtained tickets.