INDONESIA are back to dominate the world and they clearly showed their intentions by grabbing two titles at the World Championships in Guangzhou.
Yesterday, Hendra Setiawan and Mohd Ahsan outplayed the more fancied Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen of Denmark 21-13, 23-21 to clinch the men’s doubles crown in just 33 minutes. It was 29-year-old Hendra’s second world title, having won it with Markis Kido in 2007.
Earlier, Tontowi Ahmad-Lilyana Natsir staged a remarkable comeback to retain the mixed doubles title by beating top seeds Xu Chen-Ma Jin of China 21-13, 16-21, 22-20 in a gripping 74-minute final. It was Lilyana’s third world title. She won the other two with Nova Widianto in 2005 and 2007.
Tontowi Ahmad (right) and Liliyana Natsir were excellent in beating China's Xu Chen-Ma Jin for the mixed doubles title. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star
Hendra said Indonesia’s superb showing was a sign of their revival after experiencing a slump last year.
“Indonesia experienced a tough period last year when we failed to win any medals for the first time at the London Olympic Games. We also failed to make the Thomas Cup semi-finals for the first time.
“Now things have changed. We have won two titles here and there will be more good results from us. I have to admit that after Rexy Mainaky took over as the coaching director this year, there have been a lot of improvements. We are very motivated now,” added Hendra, who only partnered Ahsan in January this year.
Hendra said Indonesia’s superb showing was a sign of their revival after experiencing a slump last year.
“Indonesia experienced a tough period last year when we failed to win any medals for the first time at the London Olympic Games. We also failed to make the Thomas Cup semi-finals for the first time.
“Now things have changed. We have won two titles here and there will be more good results from us. I have to admit that after Rexy Mainaky took over as the coaching director this year, there have been a lot of improvements. We are very motivated now,” added Hendra, who only partnered Ahsan in January this year.
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