Beat Lee/Wang, Fajar/Rian Bring Indonesia to a 2-0 Win

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – The Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto pair succeeded in beating the Taiwanese doubles Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin and gave Indonesia a temporary 2-0 lead over Taiwan in the semifinals of the 2024 Thomas Cup, Saturday (4/5/2024).

Playing at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, Chengsu, China, the men's doubles number 7 in the world won with a score of 16-21, 21-19 and 21-18. They won after playing 1 hour and 3 minutes.

Before meeting in the Thomas Cup this time, the two pairs had met 8 times and Fajar/Rian won five matches.

The second doubles match was exciting from the start. There was a chase for points throughout the match. There were seven draws before Lee/Wang led 11-9, resulting in an interval.

Fajar/Rian managed to equalize the score at 11-11. However, after that they fell behind again and never equalized the score again. The 2023 and 2024 All England champion then surrendered 16-21 within 15 minutes.

Entering the second game, Fajar/Rian trailed 0-3 due to the pressure exerted by the 10th ranked doubles. Relying on net play and careful ball control, Fajar/Rian then reduced the deficit to 2-3.

Fajar/Rian then managed to catch up and even excel. However, Lee/Wang also put up tough resistance. Several times the action of chasing each other's scores occurred.

Fajar/Rian led 11-9 so there was an interval. Fajar/Rian then reached 20 points first and led 20-18. However, Lee/Wang were able to break their opponent's points tally and get 19 points. However, Lee/Wang's return which hit the net made Fajar/Rian win 21-19 and forced the match to enter the third game.

In the third game, Fajar/Rian showed their experience and maturity in competing. After the score was tied at 1-1, Fajar/Rian then took the lead and were never chased by Lee/Wang. Fajar/Rian also ended the third game with a 21-18 win.