JAKARTA - Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon reached the last 16 of the 2022 Indonesia Masters. They qualified after defeating the French representatives Christo Popov/Toma Junior Popov.

The pair ranked first in the world won straight games 21-16 and 21-19 at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, June 7 evening. The Minions are one of six Indonesian representatives who advanced to the second round.

"We are grateful that today we were still given a win. Earlier the match was quite tight. Besides that, it has been a long time since we played at Istora. So, there are still many adjustments," said Marcus.

This is Kevin/Marcus' first match since the 2022 All England semifinals in March when they lost to their compatriot Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Bagas Maulana.

The pair have since been sidelined at several tournaments because Marcus went on the operating table to remove a small bone that had appeared in the ankle.

Some of the important tournaments that they had missed were the Korea Open and the 2022 Asian Badminton Championships. Even in the match against the Popov brothers, Marcus was seen still limping from the effects of the surgery he underwent.

"There is still pain. I also said 100 percent not yet, but I can play. And I also want to play here too because I haven't played here for a long time," said Marcus.

In the next round Kevin/Marcus will meet the Thai pair Supak Jomkoh/Kittinupong Kedren who in the first round overthrew the Scottish pair Christopher Grimley/Matthew Grimley.

Apart from Kevin/Marcus, the tickets for the round of 16 were also obtained by Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, and Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin, Pramudya Kusumawardana/Yeremia Rambitan.

Meanwhile, the only men's doubles that ran aground was All England champion Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri. This pair was bent by their compatriot Gutama/Isfahani.


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