Many Mistakes, Fajar/Fikri Failed To Win Korea Open 2025

Indonesian men's doubles badminton players, Fajar Alfian (left) and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri. (X/@CGTNSportsScene)

JAKARTA - Men's doubles Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri failed to win the Korea Open 2025 after making many mistakes on their own in the final of the badminton tournament.

They were forced to acknowledge the host's doubles toughness, Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae, with 16-21 and 21-23, at Suwon Gymnasium, Suwon, Sunday.

Kim/Seo's defense is incredibly strong, very tight and difficult to penetrate. I also made several mistakes myself at critical points. This is still homework that must be improved," Fajar said in a statement from PBSI on Sunday.

Fajar emphasized that he had tried his best to face Kim/Seo who was in high confidence because he appeared in public himself.

"Unfortunately in the second game there was an opportunity to force the rubber game but we couldn't take advantage of it after winning 20-19 first," said Fajar.

Fajar assessed that Kim/Seo is the best doubles in the world today and is consistent because they both enter golden age in their careers.

"This year is the year of Kim/Seo, golden age by winning important tournaments such as All England and the World Championships," said the 30-year-old badminton player.

"With these important titles, it must foster more confidence, apart from being of very good quality. Defense, game variations and focus."

Fikri replied that they need to increase their stamina in the game considering that they are less consistent in facing the last four tournament series.

"We are not very bad in these first four tournaments but there is a lot that must be evaluated if we want to be consistent at the top level," said Fikri.

Fajar/Fikri's failure to make Indonesia only won one title from the BWF Super 500 tournament through Jonatan Christie's men's singles to beat Anders Antonsen in the final.