PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin continues to make his mark in the Indonesian Masters after checking into the men’s singles semi-finals in Surabaya.
Aidil had his easiest match thus far when he bulldozed past Nguyen Hai Dang of Vietnam 21-8, 21-8 in the quarter-finals. He will face a tricky opponent in fourth seed Yohanes Saut of Indonesia next.
Coach Nova Armada is pleased with Aidil’s progress but says his charge has a long way to go.
“Aidil has overcome his tough opponents from India and Taiwan in the earlier rounds ... he should now capitalise his chance to go all the way to win this title,” said Nova.
“It’s good to see him in the semis but his speed in his game can be better. He also must try to minimise his mistakes.
“I believe, if Aidil can put more hard work in the next three months, he should be making quick progress.
“For now, he is just starting to improve his world ranking. If he does well here (in the Indonesian Masters), and another meet in India this year, he should be eligible to compete in World Super 300 tournaments next year.
“I hope he will put up an improved performance in the semi next.”
The challenge is however, over for Shaqeem Eiman Shahyar after going down 12-21, 11-21 to Pradishka Bagas of Indonesia in the quarter-finals. It was the Malaysian’s first quarter-final appearance in a Super 100 tournament.
In the women’s singles, K. Letshanaa also made it to the semis and will face second seeds Liang Ting-yu of Taiwan.
