Japan Open 2024: Ester Ready To Carry The Women's Singles Load

Women's singles badminton user Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo (doc. PBSI).

JAKARTA Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo is ready to bear the burden of Indonesian women's singles at the 2024 Japan Open after Gregoria Mariska Tunjung was confirmed absent from the tournament.

Gregoria, the bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, canceled playing in the Super 750 BWF level tournament due to the chickenpox virus.

"Unfortunately, Ms. Grego canceled her appearance. Even so, I will keep my spirits up. Moreover, this is my first tournament at the Japan Open. I will appear stubborn," said Ester in a statement received.

Gregoria has not felt well since Friday, August 16, 2024, morning. So, he was immediately rushed to Medistra Hospital, Jakarta. The results of the examination also confirmed the disease.

"From the lab results in the form of blood tests that have been carried out, Gregoria has contracted a viral infection and was declared infected with varicella (waterpox)," said PBSI Pelatnas doctor, Tjahyadi Soegiono.

Gregoria's absence made Ester the only Indonesian women's singles to take part in the Japan Open 2024 which will take place on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

In the current draw on the BWF website, Ester will start her struggle against Thai women's singles, Pornpicha Choeikeewong.

This is the sixth clash between the two badminton players. In the previous five clashes, Ester held a 4-1 win-loss record.

Indonesia has a total of 11 representatives spread across four sectors. Women's doubles is the only sector that does not field representatives.

Men's doubles is the sector with the most representatives (five), following the men's singles (three), mixed doubles (two), and the rest in the women's singles number.