Indonesia Open 2022: Kevin/Marcus And Hendra/Ahsan Not Given A Target

The pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon qualified for the quarter-finals of the All England 2022. (Photo: PBSI)

JAKARTA — The pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan were not burdened with targets by the coach at the Indonesia Open 2022.

The BWF Super 1000 Championship will take place at Istora Senayan from June 14 to 19 this week. The men's doubles sector will again be the focus of Indonesia.

PBSI coach Herry Iman Pierngadi admits that the men's doubles are very likely to be a mainstay again. However, he doesn't want to rely on Kevin/Marcus and Hendra/Ahsan alone.

"I don't have much hope for the Minions. I put more burden on the young players. We also don't burden Daddies too much", said Herry IP, in a press conference on Sunday, June 12.

It makes sense that the world's number one and three doubles were not given a target when playing at home. Moreover, Marcus' condition after surgery is not fully fit.

Marcus's not yet fit was very visible at the Indonesia Masters event which just finished last week. At the event, Kevin's partner endured pain from his surgery several times.

On the other hand, the Hendra/Ahsan pair are actually much fitter to face this year's Indonesia Open. However, there are many other top players whose physical condition is better prepared because they were absent at the Indonesia Masters last week.

“What is certain is that the Super 1000 competition is getting tougher. In the men's doubles, there are the world's top pairs from Japan and India. They just played at the Indonesia Open. So, physically fresher", said Herry IP.

Indonesian men's doubles is a sector that has consistently contributed titles in various championships. The latest title was obtained by the pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto at the Indonesia Masters which finished Sunday, June 12.

At the Indonesia Open later, Indonesia has as many as eight representatives who will compete. Including the civil war between Kevin/Marcus against Wahyu Nayaka Pangkaryanira/Ade Yusuf Santoso in the first round.