Indonesian Pair Flex Their Muscles To Win Malaysia Open Title

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- Indonesian pair Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan had to dig deep into their reserves to defeat world number one South Korean pair in a grueling men's doubles final match of the Malaysia Open Premier Super Series Badminton Championship at the Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Sunday. After going down 14-21 to Lee Yongdae and Yoo Yeon Seong in the first set, the Indonesian duo gave a spirited fightback to clinch the second set 21-15. The decider was another close affair between these two pairs where all shots and tricks in the book were used and spectators cheered on every great smash and return. "Thank you for the support from the supporters in Malaysia. We are indeed happy to win the title again, especially by defeating world number one doubles pair," said Mohammad Ahsan. After winning the second set, Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra, quickly moved into top gear to lead 20-16 in the rubber game before the first seeded levelled the game at 20-20. "We were too hasty to finish the game and hence, kept on making mistakes, but when they levelled the game at 20-20, we knew that we had to be mentally stronger," said Hendra, Hendra, a father to twin babies named Richele and Richard. Winning the rubber set with 23-21, the Indonesian pair finally claimed the Malaysia Open title and walked away with a prize money of US$39,500 (RM143,184). Hendra, 30, and Mohammad Ahsan, 27, started pairing in late 2012, secured the first super series title in the 2013 Malaysia Open, before winning the 2013 World Championship title. They also secured the 2014 All England title, but failed to retain the victory this year after they were showed an exit by China's Fu Haifeng and Zhang Nan 16-21, 21-19 and 18-21 in the second round. Hendra, who is previously partnered with Markis Kido, won the 2008 Olympic gold medal and looking forward to secure his third World Champion title, which is the second time with Mohammad Ahsan in the homeground. Indonesia will host the 2015 World Badminton Championships in August. -- BERNAMA