INDONESIA OPEN 2010 Day 2 – Smooth, as Expected

Most seeded players did their duty successfully in the 2010 Djarum Indonesia Open Super Series.  Lee Chong Wei, Saina Nehwal and Nova Widianto / Lilyana Natsir advance to the second round, while Taufik had to struggle again.

By Vini Damayanti, live from Jakarta. Photos: Y. Lacroix for Badmintonphoto (live)

Indonesia’s glory in women’s singles

In the morning, Istora fans were already given an interesting match of Saina Nehwal and Sung Ji Hyun. The former is a defending champion of last year Djarum Indonesia Open Super Series, while the latter is a rising star from Korea. As expected, Saina won over the junior, even if the score was tight.  In the first game, she beat Sung in 22-20, but in game 2, she succumbed 17-21. Not wanting to make an early exit, Saina kept on fighting and sent Sung home to take the match 21-14 in the decider.

“This is my third tournament in row, I felt my legs were so heavy, but it was better after  I got a massage. Sung is a good player.  She has sharp dropshots. Without Chinese players, I expect to meet an Indonesian in the final.  Most of them also have sharp strokes, and I have to anticipate it.  We’ll see if I can defend my title,” said the 20-year-old Indian.

Indonesia smiles today.  Their number one player, Maria Febe Kusumastuti (pictured top) also made it to the second round by beating Charmaine Reid in straight games, 21-19, 21-5. Tomorrow she will play against Russian Ella Diehl who tamed  Yu Hirayama 12-21, 21-16, 21-18.

“Last time I met her in Swiss Open and lost in rubber game.  I’ll do my best to reach my target, advancing to the quarter-finals,” said Febe.

Following her compatriot’s triumph, Rosaria Yusfin Pungkasari defeated Tai Tzu Ying, the runner up of Li-Ning Singapore Open Super Series last week. “I’m so happy could pass the qualification and advance to second round. I’m ready to meet Maria Kristin. We know each other‘s playing style.  If I want to win, I just have to play really hard.”

Chong Wei passes the first obstacle

After their tussle in the Li-Ning Singapore Open, Hayom Rumbaka and Lee Chong Wei (photo) met once again, but one round earlier.  This time, Lee Chong Wei didn’t give any chance to Hayom to develop his game. He won easily 21-10, 21-14 even though he suffered left knee injury relapse.

“I have had this injury since the Thomas Cup. After the game, I already got the massage anyway. I’m optimistic to defend the title.  I play with no burden, just try to enjoy every round,” Lee smiled.

About his loss, Hayom commented briefly, “He’s got more power than me. Moreover, I played impatiently and made unforced errors.”

Fortunately, Hayom’s compatriots like Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Taufik Hidayat and Simon Santoso kept the hope of Indonesian spectators by winning their first round matches. The only upset of men’s singles today was created by Shon Wan Ho, who defeated fourth-seeded, Boonsak Ponsana, 21-18, 21-7.

Taufik (photo), however, was once again taken to three games – like twice before in the Thomas Cup, by the Singapore Open semi-finalist, Kashyap from India.

No siblings battle

When Markis Kido entered the court with Lita Nurlita, it was to enthusiastic cheers from the crowds in Istora. Undoubtedly, they expected the local hero and heroine would sent home the Koreans Shin Baek Cheol / Lee Hyo Jung. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Although Kido often gave sharp smashes, Shin/Lee finally won 21-18, 21-16.

“They are better and more experienced than us. Playing mixed doubles is new for me. That’s why I need to practice more and cope with the situation,” said Kido.

With their loss, it meant there would be no battle between siblings Kido and Pia tomorrow. Instead of Kido/Lita, Shin/Lee are the ones who will face Frans Kurniawan Teng / Pia Zebadiah Bernadet. The Indonesians reached the second round after beating Hirokatsu Hashimoto / Mizuki Fuji, 21-19, 21-17.

Asked about their chances tomorrow, Pia gave her comment: “I had adapted to the wind and court today. I think Frans and I can play the game well tomorrow. There is no difference if Lee Hyo Jung plays with Lee Yong Dae or Shin Baek Cheol, both of the guys are handsome,” she laughed. “I’m kidding, what I try to say is, whoever it is, we just want to gain point by point and win.”

Indonesia also had the chance to win the mixed doubles title through first seed Nova Widianto / Lilyana Natsir, who stopped short the campaign of Noriyasu Hirata / Miyuki Maeda dream, 21-11, 21-10.  Both Japanese players advanced in doubles, however.  Maeda is the top seed and Hirata, while seeded sixth with Hirokatsu Hashimoto, had to work hard to see off Swiss Open champions Ko/Yoo 21-19, 23-21.

All results HERE

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