Final Indonesia Masters 2024: Seals Leo/Daniel Defending Champions Save The Face Of The Host

Illustration. (Instagram.com/@badmintulk_com)

JAKARTA - Indonesian men's doubles, Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Martin managed to seal the title in the 2024 Indonesia Masters final. This victory became a successive title after last year they also secured the status of champions. In the final round of the Indonesia Masters 2024, Leo/Daniel faced representatives of Denmark, Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup. The match which took place at Istora Senayan, Jakarta on Sunday, January 28 ended with the hosts' victory with a score of 21-12, 20-22, 21-11. The beginning of the first game, dominance managed to become the property of the Danish representative, despite appearing in front of supporters of the host Kim/Anders playing more confident by stealing early points to lead 3-1. However, Leo/Daniel also appeared solid and were able to match the game until they stuck to the 9-8 points and continued by securing the interval with a score of 11-9. Leo/Daniel's game became more consistent after the interval. The world number 11 pair continued to leave points from opponents by staying away until 17-10 points, then continued to 21-12 in the first game. Entering the second game was fiercer, it was Kim/Anders' turn to take the lead quite far over Leo/Daniel to 11-8. After the break Leo/Daniel tried to catch up, although it was almost 14-16 but the match points which later belonged to the Danish representatives actually allowed them to equalize the score 1-1 to 22-20 points.

This draw makes the match have to continue into the rubber game but this moment is actually an opportunity for Leo/Daniel to perform extraordinaryly. The seed of seven Indonesia Masters 2023 immediately stepped on the gas at the beginning. Had a 2-2 draw, Leo/Daniel were successful up to 11-5 over Kim/Anders. Not repeating mistakes like in the second game, Leo/Daniel did not give Kim/Anders the opportunity to develop the game until they finally won 21-11. This victory made Leo/Daniel succeed in defending the title at the Indonesia Masters. Both also managed to save the host's face because he became the sole representative of Indonesia and locked the victory.