Indonesian men’s doubles Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan admits he feels sad after qualifying for the final badminton world championship 2022Saturday (27/8) morning WIB.

Ahsan/Hendra entered the top tier after defeating fellow Indonesian representatives, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto through a three-game tie with a score of 23-21, 12-21, 21-16.

“We thank God that we were able to win the final. It’s both happy and sad because we beat our own friends, close friends too,” Ahsan said after the game in a PBSI statement.

Ahsan reveals the key to victory over Fajar/Rian. The 35-year-old badminton player said unyielding play was key to winning the game.

Ahsan/Hendra continued to fall behind in points acquisition in the first two games. Meanwhile, in Game 3, Ahsan/Hendra seemed to change their strategy so they could continue to excel at acquiring points until they finally won Game 3.

“In the first game I think we were quite far behind but we tried not to give up and change strategy,” he said.

“Yesterday I said that I didn’t expect to be able to reach the semi-finals, it’s even more unexpected,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Hendra admitted that he is more focused on playing with Ahsan regardless of the opponent in the final of the 2022 Badminton World Championship. Ahsan/Hendra will face the winner of another half -final between Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik (Malaysia) against Satwisairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty (India).

“Tomorrow, whoever the opponent is, you have to prepare first and stay focused,” Hendra said.

(Jal/Jal)