JAKARTA - The pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon failed to penetrate the semifinals of the India Open 2023. This is their second failure at the beginning of the year after previously being unable to win at the Malaysia Open 2023.
The stamina factor is the reason the Minions were unable to advance to the next round in New Delhi. The former world number one men's doubles was exhausted so that they lost two straight games 12-21, 18-21 to Chinese representatives, Liang Wei Lihat/Wang Chang.
"The opponent performed well. His defense was solid and difficult to penetrate. My strength was also exhausted. Earlier (his ball) was lifted. Even if the match reached the rubber game, I felt like I would be very tired," said Marcus, as reported by Antara, Saturday, January 21.
Marcus admitted that the energy factor became a stumbling block in the appearance in the quarter-finals of the tournament in the category of the BWF Super 750. Moreover, the age and energy factors of Liang/Wang are in stark contrast to the Indonesian duo nicknamed the Minions.
Moreover, Liang/Wang's ability is fairly mature. Several times Kevin/Marcus' attack could not penetrate the opponent's defense, but Liang/Wang were very easy to gain points thanks to an aggressive game.
In addition to losing stamina, obstacles also come from oneself. Marcus said he had not really recovered since the previous round which took place strictly.
"Our recovery doesn't feel right after yesterday playing tight and rubber games. My legs are still sore," he added.
Not only that, Kevin assessed that his performance was not optimal because he could not focus on his own game. Especially when he is in a critical situation, he cannot force his game to get out of the opponent's pressure.
"They did play very well, not easily turned off. The defense is very strong but the attack is also good. I also can't focus on my own game," Kevin explained.
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