Gideon/Kevin had taken the lead in the first game with 8-3 before the English pair turned the table with significant 13-17. Gideon/Kevin refused to surrender and equalized, 20-20. Gideon/Kevin managed to grab two points and took the lead 22-20 which brought them to the first game victory.
"I was losing focus in the first game although we were leading. Slowly, we managed to make a comeback and finally won,” Kevin said.
In the second round, their opponents will be either South Korea’s first seed, Lee Young Dae/Yoo Yeon Seong or Indonesian compatriot, Angga Pratama/Ricky Karanda Suwardi who was still playing at the time this story was written.
"The target is to play one match at a time so that we don’t feel tense. Moreover, we will take on a fierce opponent in the next round,” Kevin added.
Although not setting a specific target at the tournament, Gideon/Kevin have particular objective for this year, being in the world’s top ten.
"We just give the best we can now. And this year’s target is to be in world’s top 10, hopefully we can make it,” said Gideon.
Meanwhile, an Indonesian men’s doubles, Berry Angriawan/Rian Agung Saputro, had to stop their journey to the second round after defeated by Malaysia’s Kien Keat Koo/Boon Heong Tan, 17-21, 21-10, and 15-21.