We want the World – Fajar-Rian set sights on biggest prize

Rising stars: Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian (back) and Rian Ardianto in action against compatriots Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan during the men’s doubles final. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

INDONESIA’S Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto have set their sights on capturing the world title after being crowned Malaysian Masters champions.

The world No. 5 have been one of the most consistent pairs in the world this year and proved it again by powering past compatriots and world No. 3 Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan 21-12, 21-19 in just 32 minutes in the final.

The impressive victory over the experienced Ahsan-Setiawan gave Fajar-Rian their third title from six finals this year.

Before this, the pair had also captured the Swiss Open in March and Indonesian Masters last month while they finished runners-up at the Malaysian Open last week, Thailand Open in May and Korean Open in April.

“We’re happy and thankful for this win. But we don’t want to stop here. We want to go on and win the World Championships next. We have never been able to do that yet as our best result was winning a bronze medal in 2019 in Basel,” said Fajar, who along with Rian had dashed the hopes of home pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the semi-finals on Saturday.

The world meet is set to take place in Tokyo from Aug 21-28.

Before that, Fajar-Rian are aiming to continue their fine form in the Singapore Open which starts on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, it was double joy for Indonesia when rising men’s singles star Chico Aura captured his first World Tour title after stunning Hong Kong’s world No. 13 Angus Ng Ka Long with a 22-20, 21-15 win.

The victory was world No. 45 Chico’s fifth straight upset in the tournament after taking down another Hong Kong player Lee Cheuk Yiu (No. 15), Thailand’s Kantaphon Wangcharoen (No. 23), compatriot Anthony Ginting (No. 6) and China’s Lu Guangzu (No. 25) en route to the final.

A delighted Chico attributed his success to the support of his teammates such as Anthony, world No. 8 Jonatan Christie and Shesar Hiren (No. 24).

“My teammates have always supported me and pushed me to be better. Their encouragement and the competition among us is one of the reasons for this win,” said the 24-year-old Chico.

“I want to keep enjoying my games in future tournaments and try to match my teammates.”

FINAL RESULTS

Men’s singles: Chico Aura (Ina) bt Angus Ng Ka Long (Hkg) 22-20, 21-15.

Men’s doubles: Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto (Ina) bt Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan (Ina) 21-12, 21-19.

Women’s singles: An Se-young (Kor) bt Chen Yufei (Chn) 21-17, 21-5.

Women’s doubles: Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan (Chn) bt Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida (Jpn) 21-11, 21-12.

Mixed doubles: Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong (Chn) bt Rinov Rivaldy-Pitha Haningtyas (Ina) 21-17, 21-12.