By Kristel Satumbaga
Indonesia dashed Philippines’ ambitious title hopes goodbye in the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2020 Friday night with a 3-0 drubbing in the men’s quarterfinals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Alvin Morada and Ariel Magnaye (Handout photo)
The Indonesians banked on reigning Asian Games champion and world No. 7 Jonatan Christie to deliver the blow with a 21-11, 21-14 victory over Lanz Zafra to secure a semifinal berth.
World No. 5 Anthony Ginting set the tone for the Indonesians with a 21-10, 21-16 thumping of Ros Pedrosa in the first singles match before encountering a brief resistance from the Filipinos in the men’s doubles.
World No. 7 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia (Handout photo)
Ariel Magnaye and Alvin Morada tried to provide a spark for the local bets with a 7-6 lead before Mohammad Hasan and Hendra Satiawan recovered from a slow start to take the 21-16, 21-12 win.
With the sweep, the remaining doubles and singles matches were not played.
Still, the Filipino shuttlers are thankful for the experience despite the defeat, having played against teams with world-class caliber like the Indonesians.
“Para sa amin, magandang exposure ito para makita kung ano pa ang kailangang i-develop namin,” said Zafra.
Indonesia currently faces India in the Final Four after toppling Thailand, 3-2.
The Indians crawled back from a 0-2 hole after losing the first two singles matches before M.R. Arjun and Dhruv Kapila kept them alive with a 21-18, 22-20 victory over Kittinupong Kedren and Tanupat Viriyangkura.
Lakshya Sen bested Suppanyu Avihingsanon, 21-19, 21-18, before Srikanth Kidambi and Chirag Shetty provided the crucial 21-15, 16-21, 21-15 win over Maneepong Jongjit and Nipitphon Phuangphuaet.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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