Cause Of Minions Defeat From Hoki/Kobayashi: Less Agile

Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon became the runner-up for the 2021 Indonesia Masters which will take place in Bali (Roy Rosa Bachtiar/ANTARA)

NUSA DUA - After failing to defend the Indonesia Masters title, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon said that the factor in their defeat in the final round against Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi was losing quickly to enter the game initiative.

When met after the match, the world number one men's doubles felt the pressure from Hoki/Kobayashi at the start of the game so they found it difficult to adjust the tempo of the game.

"From the start, we were under pressure, they immediately played very fast in the first game," said Marcus about the match in Nusa Dua, Bali, Sunday, November 21.

Based on his narrative, the second game became a turning point for Kevin/Marcus to turn things around by playing a different strategy. This effort proved successful and could score 21-13 after trailing 11-21 in the first game.

However, Kevin/Marcus' efforts again encountered a steep road in the third game, because the men's doubles ranking 10 from Japan was able to adjust the game and tackle every Minions attack.

"In the second game, we were able to adjust the pace and could play better. But in the third game, we could actually balance and win, yes, but we were still overtaken at the end of the game," said Marcus.

The Minions admit today they are up against an opponent who is playing better and has undergone a drastic change compared to their last meeting two years ago before the pandemic.

"They really played very well when compared to (meetings) before COVID. Now they are experiencing a big change, for example from a stronger attack pressure. Especially the left-handed (Yugo Kobayashi) hit harder," said Marcus.

Even though they failed to defend the men's doubles title at the Super 750 level tournament, the Minions didn't want to be mired in regret because they gave their best.

"This defeat has no pressure because they did play better than us. If you ask them they are tired, yes, they must be tired, but just live it because we don't set any targets," concluded Kevin.