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Sunday, June 22, 2008
Runner Up of 2008 Djarum Indonesia Super Series
After playing three tight games two nights in a row, Candra and I simply couldn't maintain our stamina and concentration in today's final match against Zakry/Tazari from Malaysia. Although we won first game 21-19, our score was always behind in second game. We were even behind 12-19 before getting score back one by one. Until 18-19, the service judge called Candra's service fault. What an unlucky call!!
Winning the second game has certainly made them feel confident as they know they are better than us stamina wise. Since the beginning of the third game, they kept on moving fast and putting pressure on us; and we couldn't even keep up with their speed. We were behind 12-20 and could only get two more points before they finally won it 21-14.
In my observation, Indonesia's men's doubles need to watch closely all Malaysian pairs. Under the guidance of Rexy Mainaky, the entire men's doubles team became very solid. Not only most of them are still very young, but also they are all solid in their attack and defense. Because of this ability, Rexy can easily mix and match them, and still get strong pairs. In other words, Malaysia's men's doubles team has become as good as Indonesia's back in the 90's.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Semi Final - 2008 Djarum Indonesia Super Series
Tonight, Candra and I survived from another grueling attack of Malaysian young pairs and got our ticket to the final of this year Indonesia Super Series. We won 23-25, 21-15, and 21-15 against Hoon and Ong in a close to one-hour battle.
As a playmaker, I started off the match poorly. I was moving too slow and too passive, and that made us become too defensive in the first game. Although we managed to lead 20-19,21-20, 22-21, and then 23-22, we couldn't close the game. Entering the second game, we finally moved faster and played more aggressive, and won the game 21-15.
We were in risky position again as they scored fast and left us 5 score behind in the beginning of the third game. Luckily we didn't give up and started getting points one by one until we catch them at 8. We felt more comfortable with our game as we got our focus back. From that point on, I felt more confident with how I played in the front and even though the score is still very close, Candra and I already got our rhythm and just attacked all the way until we won 21-15.
For our final tomorrow, we will play Zakry/Tazari from Malaysia. From all Malaysian pairs, I think this pair improve the most lately, and they proved themselves by winning Singapore Super Series last week.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Quarter Final - 2008 Djarum Indonesia Super Series
After losing to Kido/Hendra in our last four encounters, finally Candra and I won in this year Indonesia Open quarter final. After winning the first game 21-18, we came close to seal the second game as the score is level at 18-18. As I made a critical mistake in front of the net, followed up by a very long rally that we lost, Candra and I were behind 18-20. They won the second game right away 21-18.
Although they won the second game, luckily they didn't start solid in the beginning of the third game. We scored fast right away after they kept on making mistakes after mistakes. We didn't let go our focus and didn't want to give them a chance to recover. We won the third game 21-10. Next, we will play against another young pairs from Malaysia, Hoon Thien How/Ong Soon Hock.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Second Round - 2008 Djarum Indonesia Super Series
Candra and I won our second round quite comfortably. Our opponent is junior players from Djarum Badminton Club, Albert and Rizky, and we beat them 21-10 21-12. Next is Kido/Hendra again for our quarter final match.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
First Round - 2008 Djarum Indonesia Super Series
Candra and I won our first round at the 2008 Djarum Indonesia Super Series against Albert/Johan from Hong Kong. Albert and Johan were our former teammates and they have done quite well representing Hong Kong. This year, they even beat Fu Haifeng/Cai Yun. Unfortunately, for technical issue they couldn't qualify for Olympic in Beijing. Next round we will play young Indonesian players Albert and Rizky.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
It's a Boy!!!
We wished upon a star and now here you are … We're just as happy as can be; our family now consists of three!!!
What a great way to start off 2008. Eti and I are so blessed with the newcomer in our family … Leon Tantra Gunawan. Born on February 1st, 2008 at 6:02 am - 7 pounds 9 oz. and 20.5 inches long. Baby is in perfect health, mom is resting well and I am the happiest man on earth.
With this event, we would like to express gratitude for our families and friends all over the world. Over the years, we have come to develop great relationships with many people and we are very grateful to have all of your support. It is a privilege for us to share with all of you this wonderful news.
Well, Eti and I are still very much overwhelmed with joy. I am enjoying my new status as a father; feeding, changing diapers, and of course playing and cuddling him. While Eti is still pretty much remembering the long 15-hour labor, I am already visualizing myself with two or three more of those little bundle of joy in the near future.
