INDONESIA OPEN 2018 QF – Disappointed, Sukamuljo/Gideon advance to semi-final

Indonesian men’s doubles stars Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo / Marcus Fernaldi Gideon managed to secure a semi-final ticket of Indonesia Open 2018 after defeating their big rivals Mads Conrad-Petersen / Mads Pieler Kolding in a match full of tension.

Story: Naomi Indartiningrum, Badzine Correspondent live in Jakarta
Photos: Yves Lacroix / Badmintonphoto (live)

Supported by thousands of home supporters, Sukamuljo/Gideon got on the attack from the beginning of the first game.  But the Danish pair did not want to lose just like that and they rallied back and even managed to finish the first game with 20-22.

The 5th seeds continued to attack in the second game and led at interval 11-6.  However, the 2018 All England Champions managed to reverse the situation and closed the game with 22-20.

The tension of the match increased in the third game.  At score 18-14, the umpire allowed the Danes for a challenge.  Sukamuljo immediately protested that the Mads duo were too late in signalling for a challenge.

The home favourites also judged the shuttlecock had already touched Petersen’s racket before falling on the court.  The umpire did not change his verdict, granted the challenge still given by the referee.  Although Hawkeye revealed that shuttle was in and the point was awarded to the Indonesian side, Sukamuljo continued to protest and earned him a yellow card.

After the incident, Sukamuljo/Fernaldi went on to lose three points in a row.  With their lead narrowing to just 18-17, the public support kicked in and was able to encourage them.  They closed the third game with a score of 21-19.

“Our first game was tough,” said Sukamuljo after the match.  “We led several times, but lost the game because of Conrad’s service.  We had to accept it.  In the second game, even though they led at the interval, we still won.

“I felt the umpire today was not fair.  I saw some things that should not be allowed [challenge request] but were still granted,” added Kevin.

Meanwhile, according to Mads duo, although today they suffered defeat, they felt they performed to their best.

“It was a tough game 21-19 in the third.  I think it was a good match today.  We have never been playing so well like this,” Kolding said.

Conrad Petersen added, “It was a very tight match.  We played really well so I think the most important thing is we led 11-6 in the second but then we lost it.  We tried to hang on in the third game.  We also had a good start and really enjoyed the game.  We did something we can be proud of.

“I don’t know why everything has to be dramatic.  He put it on the line, I took it to a challenge.  I knew that it was in but I just used it as chance to wipe my sweat.  But I do not know why he [Sukamuljo] still looked very angry,” added Petersen.

With this result, the world #1 pair will continue their pace in the semi-final of Indonesia Open 2018.  They will face their compatriot, Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Rian Ardianto (pictured) who edged out the World Champions Liu Cheng / Zhang Nan 21-18, 18-21, 25-23.

Click here for complete quarter-final results