Europe’s ‘Mixed Troubles’– Day 3: Singapore Open 2018
Inspired by their star-studded seniors, two young Indonesian pairs beat the best of Germany in Mixed Doubles this afternoon at the Singapore Badminton Open 2018 – with two England tandems losing later too.
· GAYLE ALLEYNE
Unfolding along similar storylines, the Germany-Indonesia matches saw the more experienced Europeans seize the ascendancy, only for their youthful rivals to fight back courageously, forcing and winning decisive third games – much to the delight of their coach Vita Marissa.
The rot was started by Rinov Rivaldy and Pitha Haningtyas Mentari (featured image; right) who dismissed Mark Lamsfuss and Isabel Herttrich, 13-21 21-14 21-15, to book a quarter-final place in the HSBC BWF World Super 500 event at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Having been elevated to the top flight this season, the reigning World Junior champions – both 19 years old – displayed a calmness and resolve beyond their age to topple the No.5 seeds who had fancied making a deep run at this tournament.