Well, we are now in the semi-final stage and Indonesia has players in every discipline except for women's singles (which is rather expected). The men singles and doubles have performed to expectation so far. Hendra/Joko is clearly showing their potential to be another top doubles player and with their performance here, they should be within the top 25 next week. A semi-final appearance here already beats the expectation set by PBSI. Markis/Hendra will face two tough tests in Tan/Ong and later Jung/Lee (if things go according to seeds). Nothing less than a title here will be enough, even though its tough for them to beat Jung/Lee.
The mixed doubles pairing of Muhd Rizal/Endang Nursugianti (19/22) is slowly fulfilling its potential as the second pair after Nova/Lilyana. This is their first semi-final appearance after the runner-up spot at Taiwan Open 2004 late last year and a string of first round defeats at Singapore and Malaysia Open this year. They should also rise up to the top 30 next week.
What is perhaps the most surprising is the performance of the two women doubles pairs of Lita/Natalia and Jo/Gresya. Atik Jauhari already confessed (in Bola) that he has not set any expectation for both pairs given that they are relatively new pairings. Yet, both have performed well so far (esp Jo/Gresya) and are now in the semi-final. I am satisfied with their progress here, although another one or two surprises will definitely be welcomed
Jo/Gresya has already upsetted two top 10 pairs in recent mths and they have another chance to beat the no 15-ranked Japanese pair today and hopefully another rematch against the no 4-ranked Lee/Lee in the final tomorrow.
Hendrawan would also be pleased with the performance of Firda and Nana in New Zealand Open and this Asian Championships. The fact that both forced the no 9 and 10-ranked Japanese players to three sets are clearly signs of progress under Hendrawan. Hopefully, this will continue in the Indonesia Open and another quarter-final appearance there will definitely be a bonus!
The mixed doubles pairing of Muhd Rizal/Endang Nursugianti (19/22) is slowly fulfilling its potential as the second pair after Nova/Lilyana. This is their first semi-final appearance after the runner-up spot at Taiwan Open 2004 late last year and a string of first round defeats at Singapore and Malaysia Open this year. They should also rise up to the top 30 next week.
What is perhaps the most surprising is the performance of the two women doubles pairs of Lita/Natalia and Jo/Gresya. Atik Jauhari already confessed (in Bola) that he has not set any expectation for both pairs given that they are relatively new pairings. Yet, both have performed well so far (esp Jo/Gresya) and are now in the semi-final. I am satisfied with their progress here, although another one or two surprises will definitely be welcomed
Jo/Gresya has already upsetted two top 10 pairs in recent mths and they have another chance to beat the no 15-ranked Japanese pair today and hopefully another rematch against the no 4-ranked Lee/Lee in the final tomorrow. Hendrawan would also be pleased with the performance of Firda and Nana in New Zealand Open and this Asian Championships. The fact that both forced the no 9 and 10-ranked Japanese players to three sets are clearly signs of progress under Hendrawan. Hopefully, this will continue in the Indonesia Open and another quarter-final appearance there will definitely be a bonus!
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