Jakarta: Indonesia’s “Fast and Furious” and World No. 1 men’s pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon will lead Indonesia’s bid for its 14th Thomas Cup title in Bangkok, from 20th to 27th May of 2018.
According to former Indonesian women’s singles player Yuni Kartika, she told Indonesian media that Sukamuljo/Gideon who successfully defended their All England title two week ago will for sure be included in the Indonesian Thomas Cup team.
“I have no doubt that Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon will be playing as the first men’s doubles pair for Indonesia in the Thomas Cup finals, the tricky one would be the second men’s doubles, where we have three pairs to choose from, including Hendra/Ahsan, Fajar/Rian and Rian/Angga,” said Kartika.
She also stressed that the final decision would have to come from Indonesia’s legendary men’s doubles coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi.
The men’s doubles selection would base on factors such as stability. Former World No. 1 Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan who were viewed as strong contenders for a spot in Indonesian Thomas Cup squad earlier this year, however, didn’t do so well in the 2018 All England. Therefore, it’s possible that they might lose the second or even third men’s doubles position to young pairs such as Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto or Rian Agung Saputra/Angga Pratama.
In addition, the Indonesian team would also need players that could partner with other teammate if needed, and Kartika also clarified that the final decisions would still have to come from Herry Iman Pierngadi.
The ability to partner with other players played proved critical in helping Indonesia to win the 2018 Badminton Asia Team Championships title on Feb 11, 2018. Indonesia paired up Mohammad Ahsan with Angga Pratama and Hendra Setiawan with Rian Agung Saputro where both pairs were able to score two points for Indonesia by defeating badminton powerhouse China 3-1 in the final.
As for the men’s singles, it is expected that Jonathan Christie, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Firman Abdul Kholik, and Ihsan Maulana would be the players to fill the top three men’s singles and the reserve spots for the Indonesian team.
