Birmingham: Indonesia’s World No. 28 Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri have made their presence felt in the world badminton men’s doubles category after winning the 2022 All England men’s doubles title by beating their compatriots, World No. 2 Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan.
Just to be fair, Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan have not been 100% fit going into the 2022 All England. Mohammad Ahsan pulled his left calf muscle in Indonesia before leaving for Birmingham. Ahsan then injured his right calf in the quarter-final match against Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmusen of Denmark. In fact, Setiawan/Ahsan have shown strong fighting spirits en-route to the final.
Nevertheless, credit should be given to the young Indonesian pair as they were playing with power and speed to win the final in straight-set. On their way to the final, they have defeated several top men’s pairs in the world, including reigning World Champions Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi Japan in the quarter-finals, World No. 1 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo in the semi-finals.
“I am still in shock, I really can’t believe it, I’m happy and very proud of the achievement. I didn’t expect to be on the highest podium at all. When the match was over my mind was completely blank. I’m extremely happy,” said Maulana.
Fikri couldn’t hold back his tears after winning the title.
“I couldn’t hold back my emotion because I didn’t expect to win here. We dedicate this title to Indonesia, PBSI, coaches, family, and loved ones who have always supported them,” said Fikri.
In women’s doubles, Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida of Japan overcame Zhang Shu Xian/Zheng Yu 21-13, 21-9 for the All England crowd, while Japan’s Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino saw off Tokyo Olympics champions – Wang Yi Lyu/Huang Dong Ping of China 21-19, 21-19 in a pulsating mixed double final to win their third All England title (2018, 2021, 2022).
