Febriana/Meilysa Reach All England 2026 Quarterfinals, Defeat Japan’s Rin/Kie

Birmingham – Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari of Indonesia have secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 All England Open Badminton Championships. The Indonesian pair overcame a tough challenge from Japan’s Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi, winning in three games: 21-11, 18-21, 21-17.

The match, played on Court 3 at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Friday, March 6th (early morning WIB time), lasted one hour and 21 minutes. It marked a significant victory for the Indonesian duo as they continue their run in this prestigious tournament.

Dominant Start, Resilient Finish

Febriana and Meilysa started strongly, quickly establishing control in the first game. They built a substantial lead, reaching the interval with an 11-4 advantage. This momentum carried them through to a decisive 21-11 victory in the opening game. The Indonesian pair’s aggressive play and precise shot-making proved too much for their Japanese opponents in the first set.

The second game presented a different challenge. Iwanaga and Nakanishi found their rhythm, offering a stronger resistance. While Febriana and Meilysa initially led 7-11 at the interval, the Japanese duo fought back, eventually taking the lead at 18-17 and ultimately winning the game 21-18. This comeback forced a deciding third game, raising the stakes for both teams.

In the crucial third game, the Indonesian pair regained their composure and determination. They secured an 11-9 lead at the interval and maintained their advantage, closing out the match with a 21-17 victory. This win demonstrated their ability to adapt and perform under pressure, securing their place in the quarterfinals.

Indonesia’s Remaining Hope in Women’s Doubles

Febriana and Meilysa’s victory means they are now the last remaining Indonesian women’s doubles team in the tournament. Earlier, Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti were defeated by another Japanese pair, Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto, in straight sets, 15-21, 16-21. The result underscores the strength of the Japanese contingent in this year’s All England Open.

Quarterfinal Challenge Awaits

The Indonesian duo will now face a formidable challenge in the quarterfinals: Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Tinaah Muralitharan, the tournament’s second seeds. This match is scheduled for Friday evening local time. Tan and Muralitharan are known for their speed and aggressive net play, promising a thrilling encounter.

According to reports, Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma emphasized the importance of anticipating their opponents’ tempo changes as a key to their success against Iwanaga and Nakanishi. She explained that avoiding a fixed rhythm of play was crucial in neutralizing the Japanese pair’s aggression. “There was a chance we could have won in two games, but at the end of the second game, the points were close, and our focus dropped, making us rush to finish,” Ana said. She added that the Japanese team attempted to accelerate the pace to escape pressure, and their strategy of varying the tempo—sometimes matching it, sometimes slowing it down—proved effective.

Trias echoed her partner’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong mental game in the third set. “In the third game, we refocused, didn’t think about what had happened, or the score. We just focused on the game,” she stated. This mental fortitude proved vital in securing the victory.

This quarterfinal match represents a significant opportunity for Febriana and Meilysa to further demonstrate their potential on the international stage. Their performance so far in the All England Open 2026 has been impressive, and they will be looking to build on that momentum as they face a tough Malaysian challenge.

The All England Open is a historic tournament, steeped in badminton tradition. For fans unfamiliar with the event, it’s considered one of the most prestigious titles in the sport, often referred to as the “World Championships of Badminton” due to its long history and competitive field. The tournament attracts top players from around the globe, making it a key event on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) calendar.

The Indonesian team’s success at the All England Open 2026 is a positive sign for the future of Indonesian badminton. With young and talented players like Febriana and Meilysa emerging, the nation is well-positioned to continue its strong tradition in the sport.

Next up for Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari is their quarterfinal clash against Pearly Tan and Tinaah Muralitharan. Fans can follow the match on official BWF channels and sports news outlets for live updates and results.