KOMANG Ayu does not need to look further than teammate Gregoria Mariska for inspiration.
Gregoria had signalled the rise of Indonesia’s women’s singles after improving by leaps and bounds for the past year.
She had reached a career-high No. 10 in the world rankings after winning her first World Tour title at the Spain Masters last month.
And the 20-year-old Komang is out to shine in the world stage just like her teammate.
She is currently the third highest ranked women’s singles player in her country at No. 52 behind Gregoria and world No. 41 Putri Kusuma.
“I really look up to Gregoria,” said Komang.
“She inspires me to work harder and achieve better results. My dream is to one day reach No. 1 in the world.”
For now, Komang is out to prove herself in the SEA Games in Cambodia where she has been chosen to lead the women’s team in the absence of Gregoria and Putri, who will be focusing on the Sudirman Cup from May 14-21 in Suzhou, China.
Yesterday, the youngster helped her team beat hosts Cambodia 3-0 in the quarter-finals.
Komang blew past Phon Chenda 21-4, 21-4 in just 20 minutes at the Morodok Techo badminton hall in Phnom Penh.
Women’s doubles pair Febriana Dwipuji-Amalia Cahaya and Ester Nurumi contributed the other two points for Indonesia.
Indonesia will next play the Philippines, who stunned Malaysia 3-0.
“This is my first Games and I’m thankful to my coaches for having faith in me to lead the singles,” said Komang.
“Last year, the team won a silver and this year I’m hoping to at least achieve the same or go one better.
“We can’t afford to look down on Philippines as they proved that they are a strong team when they beat Malaysia.
“As for the individual event, I’m aiming for a podium finish.”
