2023 Team Asian Badminton Championships: Strategic ComebACK Against Thailand Enlivens Indonesia To Become Group C Champion

Rinov Rivaldi/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari. (Photo: Twitter/@INABadminton)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian team managed to secure the status of Group C winners at the 2023 Team Asian Badminton Championships. Victory was confirmed through mixed doubles,Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari.

Appearing at the Dubai Exhibition Center, Saudi Arabia on Thursday, February 16 evening WIB, the Indonesian team had lagged behind Thailand. But then Rinov/Pitha's last appearance managed to ensure a 3-2 victory.

Rinov/Pitha won after playing 39 minutes over Pakkapon Teeraratkul/Pathaimas Muenwong. This mixed doubles ensures a ticket to the quarter-finals after winning two straight games with a score of 21-18 and 21-19.

Before the victory was confirmed by Merah Putih, the first two representatives of the national team who took part in the men's and women's singles fell. Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung lost to their respective opponents.

Ginting, who faced Sitthikom Thammasin, lost after fighting 41 minutes. The men's singles Pelatnas closed the matches with a score of 9-21 and 12-21.

Meanwhile, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung also experienced unsatisfactory results. He lost in two games with a score of 18-21 and 15-21 after facing Busanan Ongbamruphan for 44 minutes.

After the two defeats suffered by Indonesia at the beginning, the appearance of Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto could actually pave the way for the red and white teams. The mixed doubles won in three games with a score of 21-13, 19-21 and 21-16 over Pharanyu Thitamaang/Warrapol Thongsanga.

Following in Fajar/Rian's positive footsteps, Indonesia managed to add points to 2-2 when Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadi appeared. This women's doubles can also ensure victory against Benyapa Aimsaard/Nuntakarn Aimsaard with a final score of 18-21, 21-16 and 21-14.

After the 2-2 draw, Indonesia then managed to make a comeback through Rinov/Pitha's performance. The result posted a final score of 3-2 for the Red and White team which also secured a ticket to the quarter-finals to meet runners up from Group D.