1 jam yang lalu
April 26, 2026 | 01:49 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia is preparing to face a real test in the Group D qualifiers of the 2026 Thomas Cup as they meet Thailand at the Forum Horsens, Denmark, on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 8:30 local time or 13:30 WIB (Western Indonesian Time). After a convincing victory in the opening match, the Red and White team is now facing opponents who are considered to have evenly distributed strength, especially in the doubles sector.
The men's doubles coach at the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) National Training Center, Antonius Ariantho, ensured that his badminton team will field the most prepared players in terms of condition and tactics. One important decision is to pair Fajar Alfian with Nikolaus Joaquin in the second doubles sector.
"Considering Fikri's fitness condition, we have decided to field Fajar alongside Joaquin. Fajar's playing style is suitable for the fast shuttlecock play here, and his experience is expected to help Joaquin, especially if the match becomes decisive," said Antonius in an official statement from PBSI.
He emphasized that rotating pairs is not a new thing in the national team's training system. Various combinations have been frequently tested in training sessions, so adaptation should not be a significant hindrance.
On paper, the duel between Indonesia and Thailand is predicted to be tight. In the first men's singles sector, Jonatan Christie will face Kunlavut Vitidsarn, while the closing match could be determined by the third men's singles match between Moh Zaki Ubaidillah and Tanawat Yimjit.
In the doubles sector, Indonesia is relying on the pair Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani in the first match, and the new combination of Fajar/Joaquin in the second match. Both pairs will face solid and flexible Thailand pairs.
Captain Fajar Alfian also expressed alertness towards Thailand's strength. He assessed Thailand's 4-1 victory over France as a dangerous signal, especially from the doubles sector. "Thailand played very well. Their two doubles pairs contributed points, and that should not be underestimated," said Fajar.
Special attention was given to Thailand's decision to field Dechapol Puavaranukroh once again in the men's doubles alongside Ruttanapak Oupthong. This combination is considered to demonstrate the flexibility and depth of the White Elephant squad. "Dechapol is back in the men's doubles and paired with Ruttanapak, who is also a mixed doubles player. That is extraordinary and poses a threat," he said.
Thailand previously opened their campaign with a convincing victory over France. Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul contributed points in the singles sector, while two doubles pairs ensured victory.
On the other hand, Indonesia comes with a perfect record after a 5-0 win over Algeria. Jonatan Christie, Alwi Farhan, and Anthony Sinisuka Ginting showed dominance in the singles sector, while the doubles sector also displayed solid performance. The match against Thailand will be a crucial point for Indonesia to secure the top position in the group and test the squad's depth.
Indonesia's Lineup vs. Thailand
MS1: Jonatan Christie vs Kunlavut Vitidsarn
MD1: Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani vs Chaloempoen Charoenkitamorn/Worrapol Thongsa-nga
MS2: Alwi Farhan vs Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul
MD2: Fajar Alfian/Nikolaus Joaquin vs Peeratchai Sukphun/Pakkapon Teeraratsakul
MS3: Moh Zaki Ubaidillah vs Tanawat Yimjit
Read: Jonatan Christie Leads Indonesia 1-0 vs Algeria in Thomas Cup
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