Key Takeaways from the All England
The YONEX All England 2020 was the last event held before COVID-19 caused a shutdown of the sporting world. By a quirk of fate, the All England 2022 was the first major badminton tournament of the post-COVID era in…
· DEV SUKUMAR
The YONEX All England 2020 was the last event held before COVID-19 caused a shutdown of the sporting world. By a quirk of fate, the All England 2022 was the first major badminton tournament of the post-COVID era in many ways – with full-strength draws in all categories, and with nearly all the top stars in action. While safety protocols were still in place, the audience was back in strength, and there was the optimism and cheer of a world that had emerged from the difficult days of the pandemic.
This festive spirit also reflected in the on-court performances. Here are the most significant happenings during the week:
Has the baton changed hands in Indonesia’s men’s doubles? Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana had a sensational week in Birmingham, with victories over top pairs including world champions Hoki/Kobayashi, Gideon/Sukamuljo and Ahsan/Setiawan. But it was not all about Fikri and Maulana. Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin have been getting better and better, narrowly losing out on a semifinal place to He Ji Ting/Tan Qiang. Another Indonesian pair in the reckoning is Pramudya Kusumawardana/Yeremia Erich Yoche Yacob Rambitan, beaten in a close first round by Fikri/Maulana. Overall, Indonesian men’s doubles appears in a healthy state, particularly with the Minions and the Daddies still performing at a high level.