Smooth In The Second Match, The Praveen-Jasmine Pair Now Challenged By Japan's Representative Yuta-Arisa

Mixed doubles pair Melati Oktavianti and Praveen Jordan must be confident against the host, Japan. (photo: doc. KOI)

JAKARTA – The Indonesian mixed doubles pair, Praveen Jordan/Melati Daeva Oktvianti, are looking at the next match steadily. The victory in the second match of Group C, over representatives of Denmark, Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje, 24-22 and 21-19, at Musashino Forest Sport Plaza, Tokyo, Sunday 25 July made Praveen and Melati's confidence even stronger.

Both of them can go through a fierce battle, against an opponent who has often made it difficult for them both. "Their opponents are always crowded. The record is that we win a lot, but the points are tight. So it's not surprising like that", said Melati.

Praveen also expresses the same. “We were good from the start and didn't want to be missed. Unlike yesterday's game, we lost and we have to focus on it", said Praveen.

In the first match of the first round, Saturday, July 24, Praveen and his coach were forced to play three games by an Australian couple, Gronya Somerville and Simon Leung. After losing the first game 20-22, but finally able to turn things around and winning, 21-17 and 21-13.

Their consistency in playing will be tested again in the next round against the host pair Japan, Yuta Watanabe, and Arisa Higashino, on Monday, July 26.

“What is certain is that we have to be more prepared. Tomorrow against the host and definitely not easy. So you have to be more prepared, ready to be tired, focus. All in all, motivation, communication", said Melati.

The conditions and atmosphere of the Tokyo Olympics, which was held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which took place without spectators, made the advantage of being the host almost non-existent. Without spectators, support from outside the field is not owned by the host pair. This can still be used by Melati and Praveen.

However, being a debutant in an event as big as the Olympics sometimes brings its own obstacles. This was recognized by Melati about her first hunt for a gold medal in badminton mixed doubles.

“What is certain is that I was nervous, especially yesterday, during the first match, I was tenser. Maybe it's because it's the Olympics we've been waiting for for five years. It's the first time I've been so tense. If he (Praveen) is already second, then he already knows. But thank God, if you're in the field, let go of that thought, just enjoy it”, said Melati.