Escape From Tight Battle, Minions To Indonesia Open Quarter Final

Marcus/Kevin (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Men's doubles Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon successfully completed a tight battle against Choi Solgyu/Kim Wonho which ended in a rubber game, Thursday, to advance to the last eight of the Indonesia Open.

In this 60-minute match, the Minions were left behind in the first game, but were able to turn things around and pack a final score of 12-21, 21-19, 21-18.

"We are grateful to be able to win, the opponent also played quite fiercely. They played very well and we were a bit tired, so the energy was a bit down. But grateful to be able to move on to the next round," Marcus said as quoted by Antara.

Kevin/Marcus had to undergo a grueling match for the second time in this BWF Super 1000 tournament. In the first round on Tuesday, they also had to go through a rubber game after undergoing the final round of the Indonesia Masters one day earlier.

The world number one men's doubles admits to being overwhelmed by a hectic schedule, not getting enough time to recover and rest.

Even though they are tired, Kevin/Marcus will try their best in the next round and spend the rest of the energy they have.

"Today is a little better than yesterday (first round), it's just that the recovery isn't enough. Maybe this is the sixth or seventh tournament we've participated in. Certainly tired mentally and physically," Kevin said.

In the third game, the Minions were able to lock up the lead after the interval and continued to walk towards the points game even though Choi/Kim kept trying to catch up and reduce the difference in points.

When the score showed a score of 20-18, Kevin's precise return determined Indonesia's victory to advance to the quarter-finals. Kevin also closed the match with a celebration after going through a tiring match.

"Because I played really with my remaining energy and finally won, I'm happy to still be able to get through today's match," Kevin said about the celebration of his victory.