7 Players In India Open Positive For COVID-19, Hendra/Ahsan Worried

Hendra/Ahsan (Photo: Hendra Setiawan's Instagram)

JAKARTA – The Indonesian men's doubles pair Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan began to feel worried about being at the 2022 India Open as a badminton player who tested positive for COVID-19 was found.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Thursday, January 13, announced a case of infected player. A total of seven players tested positive for COVID-19 and had to withdraw from the main draw.

This situation made Hendra feel uneasy.

"Only today I am more afraid because many are positive for COVID-19. Now I just give up because I'm here," Hendra said in a statement received by VOI, Thursday.

Hendra said that he now had to be extra careful. Moreover, he and his co-stars had just pocketed tickets to the quarter-finals of the Super 500 tournament on Thursday.

"But still the health protocol is maintained as tightly as possible, especially when in the hall. More in the room after the match if there is no urgent need," said Hendra.

The pair nicknamed The Daddies continued their steps to the quarter-finals at the age of winning against the host representatives, Bhaskar Chakraborty/Kapil Chaudhary, in a straight two match, 21-17, 21-9.

Competing at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, New Delhi, Ahsan/Hendra did not encounter any significant difficulties. The top seed only needed 22 minutes to finish the match.

"Today we played better than in the first half. We have also adapted more to the field. There are no significant obstacles," said Hendra.

In the quarter-finals which will be held on Friday, The Daddies will face Torjus Flaatten/Vegard Rikheim from Norway. This will be the couple's first meeting.

"Tomorrow we have to be more prepared. The opponent has never met, the important thing is not to be careless," said Hendra.