Indonesians Pull Off Heist – Finals: Perodua Malaysia Masters 2018
Unheralded Indonesians Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Fajar Alfian turned certain defeat into an unlikely victory over local stars Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong for a memorable first major title at the Perodua Malaysia…
· DEV SUKUMAR
Unheralded Indonesians Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Fajar Alfian turned certain defeat into an unlikely victory over local stars Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong for a memorable first major title at the Perodua Malaysia Masters 2018 today.
Experienced Malaysians Goh and Tan had everything going for them at a game and 18-13 in the second game of the Men’s Doubles final; their fans were already celebrating the inevitable win and the victory ceremony was seemingly minutes away.
But whether it was the profligacy of the Malaysians, or the stubborn resistance of the Indonesians – or a bit of both – Ardianto and Alfian pocketed seven points in a row, taking the match to a decider on their fourth opportunity. The miffed Malaysians were quickly out of it in the third, and it was Ardianto and Alfian – both just 21 years old and ranked No.15 - who were celebrating at the end of the 58-minute final: 14-21 24-22 21-13.