Sunday, 22 Dec 2024

BWF News

Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir Triumph at BCA Indonesia Open 2017

Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir have secured their victory at their home Superseries tournament, rectifying a long-standing concern that has plagued them for years. In a thrilling finale of the Mixed Doubles event, Ahmad and Natsir emerged triumphant over China’s Zheng Siwei and Chen Qingchen, the world No.1 pair. The crowd at Jakarta Convention Center erupted in joy as Natsir delivered the winning smash, sealing a memorable 22-20 21-15 victory.

Overcoming Past Disappointments

For Ahmad and Natsir, winning almost everything else in the world of badminton, but failing to conquer their own backyard, has been a source of frustration. They had previously experienced runners-up disappointment in 2011 and 2012, and Natsir had fallen short in 2007 with her previous partner. However, they were determined to change their fortunes this time. They channeled their energy, skills, and the lessons learned from countless battles on the court to deliver the prize their people desired most.

A Hard-Fought Battle

Facing formidable opponents in Zheng and Chen, who have risen quickly to the top, Ahmad and Natsir knew the match would be a challenge. The first game proved to be crucial, with neither pair securing a clear lead. The action at the net was riveting, with Natsir, despite knee problems, facing off against the lightning-quick Chen. At a score of 20-18, Indonesia had two game points, but their rivals fought back, leveling the score at 20-20. However, Ahmad and Natsir held their nerve and clinched the game.

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Sealing the Victory

The tension continued in the second game, with the score tied at 14-14. However, Ahmad and Natsir found an extra gear and pulled ahead, leaving the Chinese pair struggling to keep up. The Indonesian duo ultimately sealed the victory, providing a moment of pure joy and emotion.

An Emotional Triumph

“This is so emotional for me. We have won so many titles, but we had not won in our country. We prepared well and we had the right strategies. We went all out, and thank God, we won,” declared Ahmad, beaming with pride. Natsir, equally ecstatic, expressed her happiness in delivering this triumph to Indonesia. Despite their opponents’ youth and strength, they stayed focused throughout the match, recognizing that winning the first game was crucial to their success.

Promising Champions

Zheng and Chen graciously acknowledged that they lost critical points and were somewhat thrown off by the enthusiastic spectators. They mentioned feeling the vibrations from the noise. However, they promised to return better prepared for future competitions, showcasing the true spirit of champions.

Other Exciting Matches

The Women’s Doubles final saw Chen find consolation in partnering with Jia Yifan to secure the crown. They faced a tough challenge from Korea’s Chang Ye Na/Lee So Hee, but prevailed with a score of 21-19 15-21 21-10, claiming their first Superseries Premier title.

Similarly, the Men’s Doubles final provided a thrilling spectacle as Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen triumphed over Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen of Denmark. After losing the second game, the imposing Chinese duo rallied and took the decider with a barrage of powerful shots, winning 21-19 19-21 21-18 over their elder opponents, who had recently reclaimed the world No.1 ranking.

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Conclusion

The BCA Indonesia Open 2017 witnessed spectacular performances and memorable moments. Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir finally conquered their home tournament, bringing joy to their fans and securing a victory that had eluded them for so long. The tournament showcased the resilience, skill, and determination of the players, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating future badminton events.

FAQs

Q: Who were Ahmad and Natsir’s opponents in the finale?
A: They faced China’s Zheng Siwei and Chen Qingchen.

Q: How did Ahmad and Natsir win the match?
A: They secured a 22-20 21-15 victory, with Natsir delivering a winning smash.

Q: What previous disappointments did Ahmad and Natsir face?
A: They had experienced runners-up disappointment in 2011 and 2012.

Q: Did Chen Qingchen win another title?
A: Yes, she secured the Women’s Doubles crown with Jia Yifan.

Q: Who emerged as champions in the Men’s Doubles event?
A: Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen emerged victorious over Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen.

Q: What were the scores in the Men’s Doubles final?
A: Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen won 21-19 19-21 21-18.

Q: Did Zheng and Chen pledge to come back stronger?
A: Yes, they promised to return better prepared for future competitions.