Consequently, on the first round, Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan have to see their junior, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, the No. 1 seed for the tournament.

Susi Susanti, the head of Player & Performance development of PBSI wisely react to the draw. Susi claimed that at the moment all players have to work hard and keep their spirits high, even if they have to face their own colleagues where each player understands the strengths and weaknesses of one another.

“This is how the game works, we can’t choose, it is all up to the draw. Whether you want it or not you have to work hard, just be positive, the guys are playing in front of their home crowd, it is certain that they will show their best. This is a huge opportunity for Fajar/Rian to step up their game,” as expressed by Susi on the latest press conference on Monday (2/7) in Hotel Sultan.

During their last encounter in India Open 2018 semifinal, Hendra/Ahsan were beaten by Kevin/Marcus on a two-set match with the score of 11-21, 16-21.

Indonesia sends seven men’s doubles pairs for Blibli Indonesia Open 2018, namely Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Berry Angriawan/Hardianto, Wahyu Nayaka Arya Pankaryanira/Ade Yusuf Santoso, Angga Pratama/Ricky Karanda Suwardi and Rian Agung Saputro/Frengky Wijaya Putra.