Indonesia Masters: Tears Flow as Ahsan/Setiawan Bow Out

“The respect I have for them and all they’ve achieved in badminton is just too great to take this all in,” were the words of an emotional Roy King Yap after he and Junaidi Arif defeated Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan 21-13 21-14 to send the legendary duo out of DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2025.

It marked the final match of the Daddies’ two-decade career.

Tears flowed on court as well – Ahsan broke down as soon as the last shuttle dropped. Later in the mixed zone, the 23-year-old Yap struggled to keep his emotions in check when asked about the significance of his opponents to his career.

“They are my idols, especially Hendra,” Yap said softly. “I’m feeling a lot of things right now, I’m struggling to put it into words. It’s truly an honour to share the court with them in their last match. We wanted to win, our desire was there. We would have liked to have spent more time on court with them. I wish them all the best and a very happy retirement.”

Arif echoed his partner.

“Ahsan has and will always be my idol. I have the utmost respect for both,” he said. “We know what the Istora fans can be like so we  wanted to enjoy the match. I shared a nice moment at the end with Ahsan. I will never forget this day.”

Ahsan and Setiawan will be honoured in a ceremony at the Istora on Sunday.

Arif (left) and Ahsan sharing an embrace post-match.

Teh Stuns Naraoka

Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh delivered a career-defining performance to defeat men’s singles sixth seed Kodai Naraoka 21-19 21-16 and reach his first Super 500 quarterfinal. The world No.33’s win over the world No.9 is his first against Naraoka since their South Australian International clash in 2018.

“Patience was key because he’s famous for long rallies,” Teh explained. “My coach told me to change the speed. If I followed his rhythm, I would have lost,” he added, noting the challenging drift conditions worked in his favour, disrupting Naraoka’s usual control.

The Japanese admitted: “It wasn’t my day. I was struggling with the conditions. They’ve varied from my first match to now and I couldn’t counter Jason’s attack and net shots.”

Having primarily competed at Super 100 and 300 tournaments, Teh’s breakthrough is a significant milestone in his progress.

“I didn’t set a target. I just wanted to see where my level is and I’m happy to make the quarterfinals,” he reflected.

Teh credited 2021 world champion and compatriot Loh Kean Yew for valuable advice before the match.

“Loh has a strong record against Naraoka, so I asked for his input,” Teh revealed.

The 24-year-old will have to step up his game as he faces reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the quarterfinals.

“This will be another learning experience,” he noted, eager to continue his impressive run.

Results (Day 3)

Order of play (Quarterfinals)


WHAT OTHERS SAID

“It’s better that we watch a movie together than play each other (laughs).”Kunlavut Vitidsarn to friend Naraoka, who was watching him take on Lu Guang Zu

“She was trying to get me into the fast game a lot and go with her play. It’s funny I’ve only played her here, I lost to her last year. That’s why I was so determined to win.”Ratchanok Intanon after her 21-15 24-22 win over Natsuki Nidaira

“I had nasi goreng for breakfast and Starbucks for lunch. It gave me extra power.”Dechapol Puavaranukroh on his super strength after he and Kittinupong Kedren defeated Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty

“We are just starting to find our way on the circuit, see what works and what doesn’t in our game. I’m happy to be among the big stars in Indonesia representing Poland. It’s our first time at the Istora and it’s really enjoyable. My idols are Lee So Hee and Baek Ha Na.”Paulina Hankiewicz

Hankiewicz (right) and partner Kornelia Marczak looking to make their mark on the international scene.

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