(Blibli Indonesia Open) Tontowi/Winny Journey Ended

Tontowi Ahmad/Winny Oktavina Kandow (Indonesia)’s disappointment. (PIC: PBSI)
Tontowi Ahmad/Winny Oktavina Kandow (Indonesia)’s disappointment. (PIC: PBSI)
Indonesia Open ‐ Created by Imansyah Noorwihadi

Jakarta | Tontowi Ahmad/Winny Oktavina Kandow’s journey has come to an end in the quarter-final of Blibli Indonesia Open 2019 BWF World Tour Super 1000 after the pair was forced to surrender by the Malaysian Mixed Doubles pair, Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying in a three-set match of 11-21, 21-14 and 14-21 that was held in Istora Senayan, Jakarta on Friday (19/7) for 60 minutes.

Although grabbing the victory in the second set, Tontowi/Winny’s performance in the rubber game was declining and they often made unforced errors. In contrast, relying on their abundant experience, Chan/Goh performed in calmly manner and was able to make use of all opportunities available.

“In the first set our strategy was not right, we played slow, and I can say we lost in terms of the strategy. In the second set, we applied the right strategy but in the second set they also used many long serves and we didn’t anticipate that,” said Tontowi Ahmad.

“Actually during the third set, the wind in court was good, but we made so many unforced errors, this helped the opponent to play comfortably. Had we played all-out like in the second set, I believe that the opponents would find it difficult for them too. They are the more experienced, if they got the selfconfident, it would be difficult to steal points from them,” he added.

On the other hand, the Indonesian Mixed Doubles team coach, Richard Mainaky claims to be satisfied with the performance that was shown by Tontowi/Winny throughout Blibli Indonesia Open 2019 BWF World Tour Super 1000. Although the pair failed to reach the semifinal, Tontowi/Winny is said to have put a good fight.

“Tontowi/Winny has less experience compared to them, especially Winny. The opponent has abundant experience. Tontowi may have a similar amount of experience as the, but whenever we apply our strategy, we are still not 100% sure of Winny’s capability, although I know that she could do it, she just have to be trained more. Her type of play is to get in a comfortable position first then she would attack immediately, but if not, then her reflex would be like today,” said Richard.

The fact that Tontowi/Winny knocked out of Blibli Indonesia Open 2019 BWF World Tour Super 1000, means there will be no more Indonesian Mixed Doubles player left in this tournament. “I take all the responsibility, onwards we will always fix the weaknesses and we will improve them immediately,” he said.