Japan Masters 2023: Kevin/Rahmat Reaches Main Round

The men's doubles pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Rahmat Hidayat appeared in the 2023 Japan Masters qualifying round (doc. PBSI).

JAKARTA – The Indonesian men's doubles pair, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Rahmat Hidayat, successfully passed the qualifying round and qualified for the main round of the 2023 Japan Masters.

Kevin/Rahmat continued their journey after winning in two straight games 21-13 and 21-13 over Chiang Chien-Wei/Wu Hsuan-Yi (Taiwan) at the Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium, Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

"Thankfully I was able to play well today. It's not just about winning, but I have also been able to adapt to the field and understand more about how to play," said Rahmat after the match.

"In this match, I was also more prepared. This is the third match we have played since we were paired. The chemistry of playing with Kevin is also getting better," he said.

This is the second tournament played by Kevin/Rahmat as a new pair since it was first announced on June 28.

Previously, Kevin/Rahmat played at the Korea Masters last week. In this event, their journey only reached the second round.

"Thank God we were able to win. Rahmat and I's game has also become more unified. This is our third match after previously appearing twice in Korea," said Kevin.

"I see there is progress in the way we play. There is improvement in what I show with Rahmat on the field. Hopefully, this positive thing can continue to improve in the next match," he said.

In the main round, Kevin/Rahmat will meet the Malaysian pair, Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin.

Meanwhile, in another qualifying match, men's singles Shesar Hiren Rhustavito lost to Japanese singles Kento Momota with a score of 19-21 and 21-23.