Fajar/Rian Told To Clean Up Ahead Of India's 2024 Thomas Cup

Fajar/Rian surprisingly lost to Thailand's doubles in the second match of Group C of the 2024 Thomas Cup (doc. PBSI).

JAKARTA - Men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto were told to immediately improve ahead of the final Group C match in the 2024 Thomas Cup against India.

Fajar/Rian surprisingly lost against the Thai pair Peeratchai Sukphun/Pakkapon Teeraratsakul in the group's second match, Monday, April 29, 2024.

They are the only representatives who do not contribute points so that Indonesia also wins with a score of 4-1 to ensure that they qualify for the quarter-finals.

Head of the Development and Achievement Division of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), Ricky Soebagdja, said the defeat was quite surprising.

"This is something that is unexpected and of course an evaluation record with the coaching team for them, considering that the last potential opponent in the group is India, which has more even strength," he said.

Indonesia is now top of the group standings. Fajar/Rian and friends will face India in the group's last match on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

The match against India will compete for the status of Group C winners. The group winners will benefit more in the draw for the knockout round or quarter-finals later.

In the draw scheme, the group winners will meet the runner-up team from other groups. Therefore, the group winners may be able to avoid an early duel with tougher opponents.

"Obviously we will continue to fight for the group title position, especially in the 2024 Thomas Cup with maximum strength to achieve that," said Ricky.

India is not a light opponent for Indonesian troops. They are the defending champion team of the Thomas Cup and are champions to defend the title of this men's team championship.

India won the Thomas Cup title in the 2022 edition after defeating Indonesia in the final. At that time, Indonesia lost badly with a score of 0-3 against Chirag Shetty and his friends.

Indonesia came to the 2024 Thomas Cup with the ambition to bring home the trophy. The last time Indonesia won this event was in the 2020 edition.