PETALING JAYA: Indonesian men’s singles shuttler Alwi Farhan has silenced his critics in emphatic fashion after capturing his second Super 500 title at the Australian Open on June 14 (Sunday).
World No. 13 Alwi made quick work of China’s world No. 73 Dong Tianyao to win 21-13, 21-13 at the Quaycentre in Sydney, adding to his Super 500 tally following his win at home at the Indonesian Masters in January.
The 21-year-old was over the moon to get his second victory of the year, but admitted it was not an easy feat, especially after the disappointment at the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, in May.
Indonesia were stunned 4-1 by France and failed to clear the group stage, with Alwi falling to Alex Lanier in the second match.
"I feel incredibly happy to win because the past few months have been incredibly difficult for me since the Thomas Cup," said Alwi to the All-Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI).
"But I’m grateful to everyone for the support, even those who had criticised me.
"This is a journey that I have to go throigh. It’s not easy and has many challenges ahead but I assured myself that I won’t give up and will always work hard to improve."
Alwi’s win in Sydney made up for Indonesia’s heartbreak in the men’s doubles and women’s doubles events, as both pairs fell to China.
Third seeds Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza Pahlevi lost 15-21, 19-21 to fourth seeds Chen Boyang-Liu Yi while Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian defeated Febriana Dwipuji-Meilysa Trias 24-22, 21-13 respectively.
FINAL RESULTS
Men’s singles: Alwi Farhan (Ina) bt Dong Tianyao (Chn) 21-13, 21-13.
Men’s doubles: Chen Boyang-Liu Yi (Chn) bt Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza Pahlevi (Ina) 21-15, 21-19.
Women’s singles: Akane Yamaguchi (Jpn) bt Pornpawee Chochuwong (Tha) 22-20, 21-18.
Women’s doubles: Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian (Chn) bt Febriana Dwipuji-Meilysa Trias (Ina) 24-22, 21-13.
Mixed doubles: Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping (Chn) bt Guo Xinwa-Chen Fanghui (Chn) 21-17, 21-19.
