Owi's Stage Fright at BCA Indonesia Open 2014

Tontowi Ahmad, Liliyana Natsir
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Tontowi Ahmad admits he had stage fright in his first day of his performance at BCA Indonesia Open Super Series Premier (BIOSSP) 2014 as it put him under pressure. To make things worse, his first appearance was witnessed by hundreds of spectators.

Owi revealed his nervousness after stunning Germany's mixed doubles, Michael Fuchs/Birgit Michels, 21-16, 18-21, 21-19 together with his teammate Liliyana Natsir, Tuesday (17/6). There were still a lot of spectators at the stadium during the last match of the first round that evening.

That's because Owi/Butet becomes one of Indonesia's envoys to win a title besides Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan. Moreover, Owi/Butet could only achieve runner up in 2013 in the highest level of badminton tournament.

"I was anxious because there are a lot of spectators and the pressure to perform well is high. It turned out I didn't play well," Owi said.

He also promises to play better in the second round. He was shocked to cope with the atmosphere in the match, yet Butet understands that. It's because it has been nearly a month since the last time for both of them to play in a championship. The last time was a flop when they failed to participate in Japan Open Premier Super Series last week.

"He was unease because it has been a month without any tournaments. Especially playing at home," Butet explained. "The pressure is there, we wouldn't lie that we actually need more adaptation," she added.

It is not easy for OWI / Butet to achieve the target at BIOSSP 2014. Their tough opponents have the same ambition to win the title. Therefore, Butet said she must be cautious to play the next game.

"The chances are all equal. I used to play around a bit when playing against Dutch players. Now, let alone Chinese players, it is either Dutch or Russian, we can't underestimate any of them. We must stay alert from the beginning" Butet admitted.

In the second round of BIOSSP, the two players will meet Korean mixed doubles, Shin Baek Choel / Jang Ye Na. Both Korean players advanced to the second round after stunning OWI / Butet's compatriot, Alfian Eko Prasetya / Annisa Saufika 21-18, 21-17, Wednesday (18/6).

In other matches, the Indonesian top seed in men's doubles, Mohammad Ahsan / Hendra Setiawan also ensures their presence in the second round of BIOSSP 2014. Denmark's Petersen doubles Conard-Mads/Pieler Kolding Mads was stunned in two straight sets, 23-21, 21-11.

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