Fajar/Rian is reported to always play brilliantly every time they play matches in Istora. This is shown through their matches during Asian Games 2018. They made it to the final round of Asian Games and ended up getting the silver medal after beaten by their own compatriot, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon.

“If people say that we always play good in Istora maybe that is because we feel more confident. Maybe this is because we get direct supports from the fans in Istora. Moreover, our families are here too and they can watch and support us. So we are more passionate,” said Fajar Alfian during press conference of Blibli Indonesia Open 2019 BWF World Tour Super 1000 in Istora Senayan, Jakarta on Monday (15/7).

On the first round of Blibli Indonesia Open 2019 BWF World Tour Super 1000, Fajar/Rian will immediately face a newly-paired players from China, Huang Kai Xiang/Liu Cheng. This will be the first time both Fajar/Rian and Huang Kai Xiang/Liu Cheng face each other.

“They are a new pair, so we don’t really know their strengths and weaknesses. Although they are new, but we still cannot underestimate them, we have to be aware of them,” He said.