Ahsan/Hendra Qualify for Singapore Open 2023 Top 16 After Thrilling Win

Singapore –

Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan advanced to the top 16 Singapore Open 2023 after winning three games with a score of 19-21, 21-17, 21-17 over Lee Jhe-Huei/Yang Po-Hsuan (Taiwan) in 47 minutes.

Playing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Wednesday (7/6), Ahsan/Hendra led 5-2 at the start of the first game, but were soon overtaken by Lee/Yang to make it 7-6. The Daddies then rallied and took an 11-10 lead at the interval.

After the break, the chase for points resumed until 15-15, even Ahsan/Hendra led 18-16. However, Lee/Yang won four consecutive points to return to a 20-18 lead, and finally closed the first game with a score of 21-19.

In the second game, a tight battle for points occurred again. Ahsan/Hendra took the lead again at the start with a score of 4-1, then 8-5. But Lee/Yang got up and closed the interval with a narrow advantage of 11-10.

After the break, Ahsan/Hendra turned to lead to 14-13, and from there Lee/Yang were no longer able to equalize. THe Daddies continued to shoot up to close the second game with a 21-17 win, forcing Lee/Yang to play a rubber game.

In the deciding set, Ahsan/Hendra continued to face fierce resistance. Even so, they managed to lead 11-8 at the interval. After the break, Lee/Yang evened the score to 13-13, but Ahsan/Hendra managed to stay away until 19-16.

Lee/Yang had reduced the gap to 17-19, but The Daddies locked in the last two points to win 21-17 as well as ensure themselves qualify for the last 16 and will face the South Korean pair, Choi Sol-gyu/Kim Won-ho.

(adp/adp)