Indonesian badminton mixed doubles pair Praveen Jordan and Melati Daeva Oktavianti began their test for consistency after winning the title at the 2019 French Open.
By
Denty Piawai Nastitie
·3 minutes read
HUMAS PP PBSI
Indonesian mixed shuttling pair Praveen Jordan and Melati Daeva Oktavianti pose at the podium after winning the title at the 2019 French Open. In the finals at Paris’ Stade Pierre de Coubertin on Sunday (27/10/2019), Praveen and Melati defeated their archrivals, the world No. 1 pair Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong from China, 22-24, 21-16, 21-12.
PARIS, SUNDAY – Indonesian badminton mixed doubles pair Praveen Jordan and Melati Daeva Oktavianti began their test for consistency after winning the title at the 2019 French Open. This was their second consecutive title after winning the 2019 Denmark Open last week. Both competitions are in the BWF World Tour 750 category.
In the finals at Paris’ Stade Pierre de Coubertin on Sunday (27/10/2019), Praveen-Melati defeated their archrivals and world No. 1 pair Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong of China 22-24, 21-16, 21-12. Their victory in the 63-minute match also served as a birthday gift for Melati on Oct. 26.
“Surely, we are glad for this result. These two victories are our way to prove that we can do it,” Praveen said as quoted from the official website of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI).
Surely, we are glad for this result. These two victories are our way to prove that we can do it
Praveen and Melati were paired in 2018, after Praveen’s previous partner Debby Susanto decided to quit. One year later, they won their first title in Denmark after suffering from defeats in five previous finals.
HUMAS PP PBSI
Indonesian mixed shuttling pair Praveen Jordan and Melati Daeva Oktavianti celebrate after winning the title at the 2019 French Open. In the finals at Paris’ Stade Pierre de Coubertin on Sunday (27/10/2019), Praveen and Melati defeated their archrivals, the world No. 1 pair Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong from China, 22-24, 21-16, 21-12.
Their win in Paris, witnessed by Indonesian Ambassador for France Arrmanatha Nasir, was even better as they got it by defeating Zheng and Huang, who had often defeated them. In the last two seasons, Praveen and Melati suffered from six defeats at the hands of the Chinese pair.
Praveen said he had kept positive thoughts throughout the game and convinced himself that there would always be a chance to win. “When you’re in the finals, whoever is more prepared will win,” Praveen said.
Melati added that the key to their win was communication and mutual support. “We believe each other and we do not give up even if we lag behind at the start,” she said.
I cannot say that here, it’s a secret for my players
Indonesian badminton mixed doubles coach Richard Mainaky said before the match that Zheng and Huang were known for their neat and consistent playing style. They are also patient at critical moments. However, it did not mean that there was no chance for Praveen-Melati to exploit them. “I cannot say that here, it’s a secret for my players,” he said.
Richard said that Praveen’s and Melati’s win was significant as it would affect their position ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Therefore, he asked his players not to get complacent.
Jonatan “Jojo” Christie could not repeat Praveen and Melati’s success, as he was defeated by China’s Chen Long, 19-21, 12-21. This was Jojo’s eighth defeat to Chen Long. Meanwhile, South Korea’s 17-year-old women’s singles player An Se Young won over 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist Carolina Martin 16-21, 21-18, 21-5.
