The Coach Says About Praveen/Melati's Qualifying To The Quarter-Finals Of The Asian Championship: Winning Experience

Praveen/Jasmine (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Mixed doubles coach PB Djarum Vita Marissa said mature experience was the key to the victory of the Praveen Jordan / Melati Daeva Oktavianti pair which took them to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Asian Championships in Manila, Thursday.

In the match which lasted for 48 minutes at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, the fourth seed defeated the Chinese pair, Feng Yan Zhe/Lin Fang Ling in the rubber game 22-20, 16-21, 21-11.

"Earlier, we played cautiously, as well as trying to overcome a field full of wind. Earlier we won with experience," said Vita on the PB Djarum website.

Praveen/Melati had to fight hard to get a place in the top eight because Feng/Lin put up a difficult fight for the Indonesian mixed doubles.

Previously, Feng/Lin defeated the Malaysian pair Hoo Pang Ron/Cheah Yee See who were ranked better.

At the start of the first game, the Indonesian pair trailed 3-11. Then they played patiently and were more tenacious in order to catch up. The position was even 20-20, before being resolved by 22-20.

In the second game, it was Feng/Lin's turn to dominate the match until they won 21-16. Praveen/Melati regained control in the third game and it didn't take long to end the game with 21-11.

"The first set was a bit surprised by the condition of the field because each field had a different wind direction. The Chinese pair yesterday played on the same field. So, they understand the direction of the wind," said Vita.

In the quarter-finals, Praveen/Melati will meet Japanese mixed doubles Kyohei Yamashita/Naru Shinoya, which will also be the first meeting for the two pairs.

Apart from Praveen/Melati, Indonesia also secured a ticket for the quarter-finals from the pair Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari. PBSI Cipayung's mixed doubles team will meet third seed Wang Li Lyu/Huang Dong Ping from China.