Badminton - Fajar/Rian Wins Malaysia Masters 2018 Champion Title

Jakarta, Jan 22 (Antara) - Indonesian men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto came out as the champion at Malaysia Masters 2018 badminton tournament here on Sunday after beating Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong from the host country in the final round. Fajar/Rian won the title after defeating the Malaysian pair 14-21, 24-22, 21-13 at Level 4 tournament (Super 500) offering US$350,000 in total prizes, according to BWF reports monitored here. The final match was not easy to win for Fajar and Rian. After competing tightly at the start to lead 6-2 and then 8-7 Fajar/Rian was later overtaken in point collection by the Malaysian players before being beaten 14-21. With the victory made in the first set, Goh/Tan sped up in the second set collecting six points in a row. Fajar/Rian later were able to narrow the deficit until 10-11. Goh/Tan however again left Fajar/Rian behind in point collection to 16-11 and then 18-13. Being the only representative of Indonesia in the final round might have possibly given special motivation for Fajar and Rian to not easily surrender and they did it. Fajar/Rian finally won the set after forcing the Malaysian pair to surrender at 24-22. With the victory Fajar/Rian began the third set and led in point collection from the start before finally concluded the set in their favor at 21-13.