Indonesia won a dramatic 3-2 against Canada after the mixed doubles victory, Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari v BR Sankeerth/Crystal Lai in the second game of the group stage Sudirman Cup 2021 at Energia Areena, Vantaa, Finland, Monday (27/9).

Rinov/Pitha beat Sankeerth/Lai in a two-game tie 21-14, 21-10 in 30 minutes.

Rinov/Pitha started the game well in the latter part of Group C stage. Rinov/Pitha immediately took a 5-1 lead over Sankeerth/Lai at the start of the first match.

Rinov/Pitha continued to hold that advantage, which closed the first interval of play with 11-6. After the break, Rinov/Pitha still looked solid and continued to press Sankeerth/Lai for points.

Rinov/Pitha’s aggressive play killed Sankeerth/Lai and trailed them 17-10. Rinov/Pitha can maintain the points superiority to close the first game with 21-14.

In the second game, Sankeerth/Lai tried to put up fierce resistance against Rinov/Pitha. However, Rinov / Pitha could remain calm to lead 8-3.

Rinov / Pitha could then close the second interval of play with 11-3. Sankeerth/Lai slowly recovered after the break taking six points but Rinov/Pitha were able to hold on to a 16-9 lead.

Rinov/Pitha appear more confident with a fairly wide point margin. Rinov/Pitha then closed the second match with the score of 21-10.

Rinov/Pitha’s win gave Indonesia a 3-2 win over Canada. Indonesia had a 1-0 lead in men’s doubles, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto beating BR Sankeerth/Nyl Yakura, but Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo’s loss in women’s singles made it 1- 1.

Indonesia then led 1-2 after Jonathan Christie lost to Brian Yang in three games 21-9, 20-22, 18-21. However, Indonesia was able to even the score at 2-2 as Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu beat Rachel Chan/Catherine Choi 21-16, 21-10.

(Jal/Jal)