This Couple Makes Kevin / Marcus Stifle

Indonesian couple, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo / Marcus Fernaldi Gideon (Photo: PBSI)

JAKARTA - The pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo / Marcus Fernaldi Gideon is the world's number one men's doubles. All opponents will be afraid if they have to face the Indonesian champion.

But who would have thought, there was a couple that made Kevin / Marcus nervous. The pair is the men's doubles from Japan, Hiroyuki Endo / Yuta Wanatabe. This is not without reason.

Understandably, in the last six meetings, Kevin / Marcus always lost to the pair of rank five BWF. Most recently, The Minions surrendered 18-21, 21-12 and 19-21 in the 2020 All England final.

Kevin / Marcus' victory over Endo / Wanatabe took place in November 2018. At that time, the Indonesian pair won 21-14 and 21-15 at the Hong Kong Open.

"In All England, you almost win. You will definitely win in the end. Yes, there must be anxious because it can't be penetrated. It's called playing, if you don't win, you lose," said Marcus in a chat on Instagram Live on the official PBSI account.

According to Marcus, the defeat in the 2020 All England final was the most disappointing. The reason is, The Minions were superior with a score of 19-18, but lost 19-21 instead.

"Yesterday in the All England final we were very disappointed, we were already 19. However, what can we do. If you are sorry, you can repeat the time? Not really, so just enjoy it," he said.

Marcus admitted that the Endo / Wanatabe pair were a hindrance for The Minions. According to him, the presence of the Japanese pair made the match even more exciting and challenging.

The challenge that the Red and White men's doubles mainstay must immediately resolve if you want to remain the best in the men's doubles sector. Of course, badminton lovers in Indonesia do not want Kevin / Marcus to be "hurt" again if they meet Endo / Wanatabe at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.