Ginting Makes Special Preparations To Meet Naraoka In The Singapore Open Final

Indonesian men's singles Anthony Sinisuka Ginting against representatives from Malaysia Ng Tze Yong in the Singapore Open 2022 tournament, (photo: doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Appearing in the final of the Singapore Open 2022, Sunday, July 17, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting made the best preparations to face Japanese badminton player Kodai Naraoka. He also studied his opponent's technique and playing style.

The match between the fourth seed and Naraoka will be the first meeting between the two players. Ginting admitted that he needed input and analysis from Naraoka's actions in previous matches.

"To face the match against Kodai in the final, I'll try to see the video recording. This is also because of my first meeting, so I don't know what kind of game he is. What is certain is that discussions are also with the coach to implement what kind of strategy. Hopefully I can play well," said Ginting in a written statement from PP PBSI in Jakarta.

The 43rd ranked badminton player first kicked Zhao Jun Peng from the competition map in the semifinals, and also beat Jonatan Christie in the second round with 7-21, 21-18, 21-15.

Meanwhile, Ginting escaped from the last four after defeating the host representative and 2021 world champion, Loh Kean Yew on Saturday, July 16.

The Indonesian representative appeared confident and applied the right strategy through his ability to reduce the opponent's speed. Ginting also packed the dominance of two straight games 21-17, 21-14 in a duration of 37 minutes.

"Indeed, the match was quite tight, especially in the first game. I was behind. However, after that I tried to improve the rhythm of the game and be more patient in attacking," said Ginting.

The key to Ginting's superiority over Loh is to dispel the speed and sharp attacks of his opponent which he considers dangerous.

In the previous two meetings, Ginting had lost to Loh in the 2022 Thomas Cup and Indonesia Masters 2014. Not wanting to lose again, Ginting's mainstay weapon was successfully countered by Ginting.

"My strategy is to try to attack first and take control of the game in front of the net. From there, Loh is also less able to apply his attacking game which has been his weapon so far. I am also more patient and calm too," said Ginting.