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Match Preview
DAIHATSU
Indonesia Masters 2024
2024-01-23
to 2024-01-28
Source:
REUTERS/TRACEY NEARMY
The
Indonesia Masters 2024 is scheduled to take place in
Jakarta from January 23 to 28. The tournament offers total prize money of
US$420,000. Similar to previous editions, this year’s Indonesian Masters is
classified as a Super500 event, which signifies its level of competition. As
the overall level of the tournament has slightly decreased, the number of
top-ranked players participating has reduced. However, the tournament draw
still features several highly anticipated match-ups. In the first round of the
men’s singles event, Indonesian player Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, currently
ranked 4th in the world, will be competing on his home turf against Ng Tze Yong
from Malaysia, who holds the 14th spot in the world rankings.
Ginting has
inherited Indonesia’s distinctive style of controlling the net and launching
attacking shots. His ability to pause and feint at the net is unpredictable,
and his skills are intricate and deceptive, often creating opportunities for
him to dominate the backcourt. Ginting possesses strong legs and core strength,
complemented by excellent footwork, agility, and speed. This enables him to
move smoothly whether he is at the net or retreating to execute powerful
smashes. Despite not being tall, his lower hitting point allows him to exert
more pressure on opponents. Additionally, his strong legs and light body
contribute to his exceptional backcourt abilities, which are considered
top-notch. However, Ginting’s height has posed limitations on his defensive
capabilities, and his style of play is highly demanding in terms of physical
fitness. These factors occasionally lead to fluctuations in his performance and
a lack of consistency during matches.
Yong
represents the new generation of Malaysian badminton players and possesses a
playing style that is characterized by spiritual intensity and versatility,
reminiscent of the early days of Lee Chong Wei. His net skills are delicate and
refined, but his footwork can be erratic, and his physical disadvantage is
considered his biggest weakness. However, given that he is only 23 years old,
there is still ample room for improvement in his game. It is hoped that he will
shine in the future as he continues to develop and refine his skills. It is
important to note that Yong recently suffered from back injuries, which
resulted in his withdrawal from the first round of the men’s singles at the
previous Malaysian Open as well as his absence from the Indian Open. Having
just returned from injury, he is now set to face the world’s No. 4 player,
Ginting. Considering the circumstances, it is expected that he may face some
challenges and may find it difficult to perform at his best.
Ginting is
widely regarded as one of the fastest men’s singles players in the current
badminton landscape. His unique and delicate skills at the net often provide
him with opportunities for powerful and swift kills, making it challenging for
opponents to defend against. With his clean and forceful execution, Ginting’s
kills are formidable. Furthermore, his speed advantage allows him to excel in all
the areas of the court. These aspects of Ginting’s game are what Yong expressed
concerns about. Considering that Yong has recently returned from injury, his
physical fitness will be a significant test for him in this match. Ginting
holds the upper hand in terms of strength, skill versatility, and experience in
competitive play. Additionally, Ginting will benefit from the support of the
home crowd, further enhancing his advantage in the match. Given these factors,
it may be challenging for Yong, who is still in the process of recovering from
injury, to halt the Indonesian player’s momentum.