Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto’s steps were stopped in the quarter-finals of the Denmark Open 2021. Fajar/Rian were eliminated after losing to the Malaysian pair.
Fajar/Rian fight for a place in the semifinals against Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzudin in a match at Odense Sports Park, Friday (10/22/2021) night WIB. The fourth seeded men’s doubles were forced to give up two straight games with a score of 18-21, 17-21.
After Fajar/Rian’s defeat, Indonesia still had five other representatives competing in this phase. They are Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Bagas Maulana, Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu, Jonatan Christie, Praveen Jordan/Melati Daeva Oktavianti, and Tommy Sugiarto.
Even though they are more favored, Fajar / Rian have difficulty facing the unseeded men’s doubles. The 2018 Asian Games silver medal winner was barely able to get out of the opponent’s pressure.
Fajar/Rian lost in the drive fight so the opponent evened the score to 3-3. Both pairs played fast, but Goh/Izzudin were able to gain point by point to leave Fajar/Rian 9-4.
Rian’s service was not wasted by Goh to make a sharp smash. Lucky ball was obtained by the Malaysian couple to add points while leading 11-7 in the first interval.
So far there have been almost no long rallies. Goh/Izzudin are six points ahead of Fajar/Rian in a 14-8 position.
Fajar/Rian managed to narrow the gap to three points. However, Goh/Izzudin got a game point after Rian’s strike in front of the net fell on their own playing field 18-20. Goh’s shot in front of the net could not be returned by Fajar/Rian to end the first gym game in 21-18.
The match was tighter in the second game. The score was balanced to 7-7, then Fajar / Rian gained four consecutive points to take the lead in the second interval. Goh/Izzudin caught up and took the lead.
Fajar/Rian many times had difficulty coming out of the opponent’s pressure. Goh/Izzudin grabbed two points in a row and are now 17-14. Rian’s return hit the net to give Goh/Izzudin the advantage in a score of 19-16.
Match point for Goh/Izzudin after Fajar’s service failed to cross the net. Goh/Izzudin ensured a 21-17 victory after Fajar’s smash from the back area hit the net.
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