It Ran Aground In Hendra/Ahsan's Hands In The 2022 BWF World Championship Semifinals, Fajar/Rian: Not Fire, But Less Good

Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto ran aground at the 2022 BWF World Championships. (Photo: Twitter/@INABadminton)

JAKARTA - Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto failed to advance to the 2022 BWF World Championships final. They ran aground in the hands of a senior couple, Hendra Setiawan/Muhammad Ahsan, Saturday, August 27.

Fajar/Rian for the second time had to lose to the pair nicknamed The Daddies. Previously, they also lost to Hendra/Ahsan in Basel, Switzerland 2019.

"Not satisfied, because the hope for an upgrade of medals has begun with the best possible preparation," said Fajar after the match, as quoted by Antara.

"But it's not easy to beat players who have experience in the World Championships, especially since Hendra/Ahsan have never lost even if they play here," he continued.

failed to advance to the final round, not discouraged Fajar/Rian. The couple actually wanted to get up and improve their game so they could come back stronger at the next World Championship.

"Hopefully in the future it will be more consistent. The results here are not bad, but still not good," said Fajar.

Fajar/Rian also admitted that the mentality of the champion they had was felt. In fact, this is considered to affect a different style of play when compared to when acting in other level tournaments.

"Hendra/Ahsan seem very focused in this tournament. While on the field, their desire not to lose is very felt," Rian added.

Regarding their defeat, the champions of the Indonesia Masters and Singapore Open said that they made a fatal mistake in the first game so that it affected their actions in two advanced games.

When they won with 15-7 and 20-18, Fajar/Rian was even overtaken and turned behind to 21-23. In this critical situation, Fajar/Rian actually lost focus so he was picked up by his opponent.

In addition, Hendra/Ahsan's ability also lies in their calm despite facing a critical situation at the end of the game.

"Hendra/Ahsan changed strategy at the end of the first game, by slowing down the tempo and playing back and attacking. At the beginning of the game it was comfortable because they could dictate them to join our fast pattern," Fajar said.