Badminton World Championships 2023: Rehan/Lisa And Rinov/Pitha Qualify For Round Of 16

Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati. (Photo: Twitter @INABadminton)

JAKARTA Two Indonesian mixed doubles, Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati and Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari, stepped into the round of 16 of the 2023 Badminton World Championships, Wednesday, August 23.

Rehan/Lisa secured their place in the third round after defeating Jones Ralfy Jansen/Linda Efler (Germany) at the Royal Arena, Copenhagen, Denmark. The 13th seed won two straight games 21-9 and 21-12.

This is Rehan/Lisa's second victory over the German representative. Previously, they also won two straight games in the last 32 of All England 2023 in March.

Rehan/Lisa kemudian akan mendapat tantangan semakin serius. Pasalnya, mereka akan bersua unggulan kedua kompetisi ini, yakni Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino (Japan).

The two pairs had previously faced off at last year's Asian Badminton Championships. Yuta/Arisa won their only clash in a duel in two straight games.

While Rinov/Pitha beat Japan's 15th seed Kyohei Yamashita/Naru Shinoya. Both had to go through a fierce battle before winning 21-15, 14-21, and 21-14.

In the round of 16, Rinov/Pitha will face the fourth seed, Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai. The fourth seed eliminated representatives of Hong Kong, Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet.

Unfortunately, Rehan/Lisa and Rinov/Pitha's success was not followed by the women's doubles pair Lanny Tria Mayasari/Ribka Sugiarto. This pair ran aground in the round of 32 after losing to first seed Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan, 5-21 and 8-21.

"We admit that the opponent's pattern of play is so tight. Their game is so orderly and neat. It's not easy to die alone. We know where the ball will be directed. Anticipate them to always be right," said Ribka.