2023 Asian Games Badminton Results: Rinov/Pitha Win Dramatically to Challenge Yuta/Arisa, Rehan/Lisa Eliminated in Round of 32

Indonesian mixed doubles, Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas. (Photo: Twitter/@INABadminton)

JAKARTA - The mixed doubles representing Indonesia at the 2023 Asian Games achieved different results when they appeared in the round of 32. Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari successfully advanced to the next round, while Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati were eliminated.

Rinov/Pitha achieved satisfactory results, who appeared first to represent Indonesia in the round of 32. Playing at BJ Gymnasium on Monday, October 2 morning of Western Indonesian Time (WIB), they were challenged by Kim Won-ho/Jeong Na-eun.

Rinov/Pitha then achieved a dramatic victory over the South Korean representative. Because the match was fierce through three tense games.

Rinov/Pitha, who were left behind in the second game, managed to kill the next move after closing the match with a score of 21-15, 16-21, and 21-19.

"They made it difficult for us, especially in the second and third games where we kept falling behind by points. But we kept trying, focused, and believed in each other if we could," said Pitha about the course of the match in the official PBSI statement.

This victory in the round of 32 led Rinov/Pitha to face tougher opponents. In the round of 16, they are certain to meet Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino, who are the second seeds.

For this match, Rinov/Pitha focused on optimal preparation and recovery. "In the round of 16 we meet second seeds Yuta (Watanabe)/Arisa (Higashino) from Japan, of course we have to prepare everything again," said Rinov.

"From taking care of your condition first, recovering because today is quite a long match. Later we will discuss with everyone how we will play against them," he continued.

In contrast to Rinov/Pitha's results, Rehan/Lisa were eliminated in the round of 32. They failed to secure a place in the last 16 after losing to Ye Hong Wei/Lee Chia Hsin.

Appearing after Rinov/Pitha, Rehan/Lisa surrendered to the Taiwanese representatives with a score of 13-21, 20-22. The Indonesian representative's struggle failed in a fierce duel for 40 minutes.

Rehan/Lisa seemed to be struggling against Ye/Lee in the first game. Lisa's return which went too wide in the final point of the second game then ensured victory for Ye/Lee 22-20. Ye/Lee qualified for the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Games and eliminated Rehan/Lisa.