Malaysia Masters: ‘They Played Better’
Defending champions and men’s doubles top seeds Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto were gracious in defeat after a surprise first round result at PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2023 presented by DAIHATSU.
· BWF STAFF
The Indonesian world No.1s started as favourites against Koreans Kang Min Hyuk/Seo Seung Jae but succumbed in straight games, losing 21-16 21-19 after 40 minutes.
Alfian/Ardianto praised their opponents for arriving more prepared.
“We only touched down yesterday but that’s not an excuse for the loss,” said Alfian. “They played better and controlled the match well. We lacked our usual explosiveness.”