After the eventful Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur, we now travel south across the Java Sea to Jakarta, Indonesia. For many, the competition which begins tomorrow will be the last big stage to perform before the World Championships in China, just 28 days away.
One player who impressed last week in the Men’s Singles was Brice Leverdez of France, who surpassed Vittinghus and Christie on his way to the quarter-finals, where his run came to an end against 4th seed Srikanth. He will be hoping for a similar run, however his 1st round opponent is double world champion Chen Long of China. In order to stake a claim to regain is world title, this tournament is vital for Chen Long after his surprise 1st round exit in Malaysia. All this points to an intriguing encounter so early on in the tournament.
Take two
The Danish doubles will be preparing for a second charge at the tournament after early exits in Malaysia for Boe and Mogensen and Christina Pedersen and Kamilla Rytter Juhl. Both pairs are returning from time out and are looking to get back up to speed fast, just in time for the worlds. In their rich careers, the world gold medal has just alluded them, and would be a delightful addition to their trophy cabinets. But time is running out for them to regain top form, and Indonesia might be just the tournament for them. Boe and Mogensen (2nd seeds) are finalists here last year, and Pedersen and Rytter Juhl (3rd seeds) quarter finalists, losing out in 3 games to eventual 2017 world champions Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan of China.
Same again please
The star performers from Europe last week were English Mixed Doubles pair Chris and Gabby Adcock. Despite a tricky draw, they overcame each challenge in great style, and eventually lost in the semi-final to Chinese number 4 seeds and world championship silver medallists Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong in 3 very tight 3 games, 21-17, 18-21, 19-21. This is an enormously good omen for the world championships, as bronze medallists last year in Glasgow, the Adcock’s also defeated the reigning 2017 world champions Tontowi Ahmad and Lilyana Natsir of Indonesia in the quarters. In Indonesia this week, if all goes according to plan, Chris and Gabby Adcock will have a second opportunity to go up against Zheng and Huang. This time around they will be looking to execute to match winning opportunities. As Gabby Adcock said herself in Kuala Lumpur.
-Feeling good on court. Looking forward to the challenge. Great foundations made for Indonesia Open
For the full seedings and fixtures click
here.