Marcus/Rayhan Set Champion Targets During Debut In India

Men's doubles badminton player Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/INSTAGRAM.

JAKARTA Marcus Fernaldi Gideon immediately set a target for the champion when undergoing a debut tournament with his new partner, Muhammad Rayhan Nur Fadillah.

Marcus/Rayhan are scheduled to debut at Syed Modi India International from November 28 to December 3, 2023 and the Odisha Masters 2023 from December 12 to 17.

"In two weeks, the plan is to go, hopefully it can be maximized and the results of the champion. The target is to win," said Marcus when met at the PBSI Cipayung National Training Center, East Jakarta.

Marcus had to part with the previous couple Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo because he was on the operating table and needed a long recovery time afterward.

The last time he played with his old partner was at the Singapore Open 2023. At that event, their journey only reached the second half.

Marcus has been training as usual after he recovered. Various preparations for his debut have also been carried out with the coaching team.

"Actually, we have a list of China Masters, the India 300 with India 100. Only in China we are waiting for the fourth list if I'm not mistaken. So, I don't know whether to enter or not," said Marcus.

Marcus/Rayhan formed as a recent couple after Marcus recovered. Both are in the same position as not having a partner after Kevin was partnered with Rahmat Hidayat, who was Rayhan's previous couple.

Marcus admitted that there was no problem getting a new partner. So far, they have both been in the National Training Center so the adaptation process is easy.

"It's been a long time together. Actually, everyone rotates often. Earlier [training] changed partners too. So, it must be normal to play with each other," saidMarcus Fernaldi Gideon.