Becoming Thailand Masters 2023 Champion, Leo/Daniel Reveals Not Yet In Maximum Performance

Indonesian men's doubles badminton player, Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin uploaded by the @jokowi account

JAKARTA - Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin pair revealed that the key to their victory at the 2023 Thailand Masters tournament was to keep playing without a burden even though they couldn't perform optimally due to their declining physical condition.

"Thank God we can win again. From the start, we just competed and played well, didn't think about winning the Thailand Masters. This is because our condition has not been fit since winning the Indonesia Masters, I also still have a bit of a cold," said Leo via an official message of PP PBSI, as reported by ANTARA, Sunday 5 February.

Not only Leo, but his partner, Daniel, who had a problem with pain in his leg, also experienced a declining physical condition. Even though he couldn't bring out his maximum strength when releasing his flagship smash, he continued to fight in the final round.

Realizing that his physical condition was not okay, Daniel tried to play efficiently and not think about the pain he was experiencing.

He didn't even expect that he would finally emerge as champion in Bangkok after defeating the men's doubles from Taiwan, Su Ching Heng/Ye Hong Wei, in two straight games.

"I also play more efficiently because my feet still hurt. To do smashes it still hurts. That's why earlier I didn't smash too much. With sore feet, I just played recklessly. I forgot about the pain in my feet, I played like I didn't feel any pain," said Daniel.

Apart from struggling to overcome obstacles from themselves, the couple nicknamed The Babies also implemented a solid game pattern to keep pushing Su/Ye.

Daniel's condition made his movements somewhat limited, but he and Leo compactly outsmarted their opponents by using a more mature strategy.

"The course of the match was not like in the semifinals which reached the rubber game. Earlier we played no lob and did not give an opportunity to attack. This is because the opponent has good attacks," said Daniel.

Victory in the BWF Super 300 category tournament certainly adds to Leo/Daniel's confidence. Moreover, they can gain the title in two consecutive weeks.

After experiencing the excitement of winning at the Indonesia Masters and now at the Thailand Masters, they are even more excited to play better and consistently in the following tournaments.

"This victory is certainly a boost for us. After winning the title in Thailand, I can't be arrogant. On the contrary, I have to be more active in training because there are still many championships ahead," said Leo.