Dejan Ferdinansyah revealed the rankling hurt from losing a close match to Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue was the fuel that drove him and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja to defeat their third-seeded opponents in the CLASH OF CLANS Arctic Open 2023 powered by YONEX first round.

Four weeks ago at the Hong Kong Open, Ferdinansyah/Widjaja fell at the same stage 21-18 22-20 to the French pair. At the Energia Arena today in Vantaa, Finland, the Indonesians reversed the result, winning 21-11 23-21.

“We had extra motivation because we lost to them in Hong Kong. We wanted to put that right and we had nothing to lose,” said Ferdinansyah. “We learned from that defeat. Back then, they didn’t lift so much so we made sure we were prepared for that.”

Widjaja added: “We analysed their style and did what was necessary and it worked.”

Ferdinansyah also said the venue was another plus point.

“The court conditions suited our game better, we were able to play to our strengths,” said the 23-year-old.

Gicquel admitted they fell short of expectations.

“We weren’t at our best. We hope to bounce back at the Denmark Open next week,” he said.

Ferdinansyah/Widjaja face young Chinese pair Cheng Xing/Chen Fang Hui, who defeated Germans Jan Colin Voelker/Stine Kuespert 21-17 21-18 in the second round.

Their next target at the new Super 500 event would be to clear the last 16, having only done so thrice at 15 HSBC BWF World Tour tournaments this season.

→ Results (Day 1)

→ Order of play (Day 2)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“In the match we have to fight but outside, she’s like a big sister. She takes care of me and is always helping me.” – Thuy Linh Nguyen after knocking out fourth seed and good friend Beiwen Zhang

“Sometimes playing with different partners helps you see how the combination with your usual partner should go. I can improve myself through this.” – Wei Ya Xin on returning to partner Jiang Zhen Bang after winning in Hong Kong with Guo Xin Wa

“She’s among the best European players. I was nervous initially and was careful in my moves, then I settled into the match and brought out my best.” – Pornpawee Chochuwong after beating Kirsty Gilmour