Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto managed to pass the tough test of the first round Malaysian Open 2023. Encounter Christo Popov/Toma Junior Popov (France), FajRi managed to win three games with a score of 19-21, 21-16, 21-15 in 58 minutes.
Playing on court 3 of the Axiata Arena on Tuesday (10/1), Fajar/Rian faced fierce resistance from the Popov brothers in their first match. The two Frenchmen managed to close the break with an 11-10 lead, but FajRi was able to get back up after the break.
After leveling the score at 12-12, Fajar/Rian managed to stay apart until 17-13, but the lead was not held after Christo/Toma won six consecutive points to lead 19-17, and eventually they secured their first game with a 21-19 victory.
The second game was also initially good. Christo/Toma led 5-1, but Fajar/Rian managed to rally to tie the score at 7-7. From here, FajRi could no longer be pursued.
After winning 11-8 at halftime, their points continued to increase until they finished game two with a score of 21-16, forcing Christo/Toma to play a rubber game.
In the third or deciding game, the points race resumed to 7-7, but Fajar/Rian managed to close the halftime with an 11-8 lead. After the break, Christo/Toma hold on at 13-14, but Fajar/Rian keep their distance until 18-13.
In the end, Fajar/Rian gave their opponent just two more points before finishing the third game with a score of 21-15. This result took them to the round of 16 to meet German representatives, Mark Lamsfuss/Marvin Seidel.
Meanwhile in Court 2, Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan also conquered the representative of China, He Ji Ting/Zhou Hao Dong with a score of 19-21, 21-8, 21-13 in 40 minutes. In the round of 16, The Daddies will meet the juniors at national training, namely Pramudya Kusumawardana / Yeremia Rambitan.
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Ahsan/Hendra also managed to qualify for the next round. Photo: Between Photos/PBSI Public Relations/Handout
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(adp/af)
