Men's Doubles Indonesia Does Not Reach Target In Thailand Open II, Coach: The Influence Of Stamina

Indonesian men's doubles Mohammad Ahsan / Hendra Setiawan (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The men's doubles coach for the Indonesian badminton national team Herry Iman Pierngadi assessed that his team's performance in the second series of Thailand Open 2021 in Bangkok was not on target. This was proven by the absence of Indonesian representatives who qualified for the finals.

Unlike the first series last week, in the second series the performance of the Indonesian players decreased. Herry IP's foster children who were expected to shine, especially Ahsan / Hendra and Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Rian Ardianto, failed.

"Yes, the men's doubles did not reach the target. Ahsan / Hendra and Fajar / Rian were indeed what we hoped for, but they did not succeed. They failed. Later the training will be evaluated again. Indeed, there are many decreases," said Herry IP through a PP PBSI release reported by Antara, Saturday, January 23.

In the semifinals at Impact Arena, Bangkok, Mohammad Ahsan / Hendra Setiawan lost to a rubber game from sixth seed from Taiwan Lee Yang / Wang Chi Lin 21-14, 20-22, 12-21.

According to Herry, Ahsan's left calf injury in the first half did affect his performance. However, he also mentioned that it was not the main reason, but rather the factor of stamina and age.

"Ahsan's injury had an effect, but it had a bigger impact due to stamina, because age could not be deceived. If you really wanted to win, you should be able to play two games," said Herry explained.

"Indeed, at the time of deciding in the second game, they made a mistake. The two points involved themselves. Indeed, the handicap on the field, winning the wind, losing the wind, or the ball is also a little heavy. Players their age have flaws there. I hope, later in the World Tour Final his performance will be even better, "he said.

Meanwhile, Fajar / Rian said there was a decrease in quality. Long absence from competing is also a factor that causes the loss of rhythm.

"Fajar / Rian many people say they have decreased, it is true that they have decreased. Yesterday we also talked. Indeed, there was no match for a long time, ten months of absence, so it was a little 'clumsy' for them," said Herry.

"The rhythm, rhythm and atmosphere are gone. It's been a long time since we didn't compete, so we have to adapt again. Even though they are among the top 10. We really have to be able to handle it," he added.

Apart from the decline in quality, Herry said that Fajar's problematic hand was also an obstacle. Henceforth, homework is big enough to prepare them to perform optimally again in the international tournament which will be held in March.

"But of all, the number one obstacle is because Fajar's hand has a problem, so it can't be maximized. Just relying on Rian alone. It's not an excuse, it's reality. Besides, his appearance has decreased, it must be admitted," said Herry.