2025 BWF World Championships: Fajar/Rian Waswas With Former Champion
JAKARTA - Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto was wary of meeting former world champion Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi in the round of 16 of the 2025 BWF World Championship or BWF World Championship 2025.
Fajar/Rian and the Japanese pair both occupy a quarter of the top chart draw. They got an empty draw in the first half. If they make it through the second half, Fajar/Rian automatically meets Hockey/Kobayashi.
"In the round of 16, it is likely to face Hockey/Kobayashi. The last meeting is not easy. So, you have to be vigilant and maintain communication in the field," said Rian.
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On paper, Fajar/Rian as the fourth seed in this tournament, have the advantage of winning 5-3 from the previous eight clashes. In the last three meetings, Fajar/Rian was always recorded as winning.
Fajar/Rian won the latest when they met at the 2024 Kumamoto Masters. At that time, the former world number one pair were forced to play for three games.
Although Fajar/Rian excels in head-to-head records, Hoki/Kobayashi have a sweet record in this prestigious event. They previously won in the 2021 edition after losing to Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan in the final.
"Competition in men's doubles will definitely not be easy. All players want to become world champions, everyone wants the best results. So, we have to focus one step by one," said Rian.
To be able to reach the round of 16, Fajar/Rian must first prepare for the first match on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
The two-time All England champion will face the winner of the battle between Hung Kei Chun/Lui Chun Wai (Hong Kong) and Kevin Lee/Ty Alexander Lindeman (Canada).
"Our condition is better than during the first day of training. Adaptation to everything here goes smoothly. Jetlag can be resolved, no longer an obstacle," said Fajar.
The 2025 World Championship will take place at Adidas Arena, Paris, France, on August 25-31, 2025. Indonesia has sent a total of 12 representatives to the event.
From the men's doubles number, Indonesia sent three representatives. Apart from Fajar/Rian, there is also the pair Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana and Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Mohammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.