Japan Open 2024: Fajar/Rian Hard To Go To The Round Of 16

Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto qualified for the last 16 of the Japan Open 2024 with difficulty (doc. PBSI).

JAKARTA - Men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto escaped dramatically through a rubber game to the round of 16 of the Japan Open 2024.

Fajar/Rian got tickets after defeating Hao Nan/Zeng Wei Han with a score of 22-20, 13-21, and 21-14 at the Yokohama Arena, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, afternoon WIB.

Fajar said he was happy with this victory after getting so fierce resistance from the Chinese competitor.

"However, in terms of game I am not satisfied. There are still many mistakes myself. Especially in the first and second games, the touch has not been obtained," he said.

Fajar/Rian are the first Indonesian representatives to reach the round of 16 of the BWF Super 750 level event.

Rian said that the opponent played very well. They also still need to adapt again, especially to the shuttlecock after today's game.

"In terms of game, we have not been able to return to the way we were before. This is because from our preparations it is also not optimal, but it should not be an excuse. We have come here, we have committed to play, yes, we must be ready," he said.

In another match, Indonesian men's singles Anthony Sinisuka Ginting picked up his suitcase early. He could not finish the match due to injury against Japanese representative, Yushi Tanaka.

Ginting's resignation left for Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo, who will compete against French representative Arnaud Merkle.