KUALA LUMPUR – World number 11 women’s doubles pair Apriyani Rahayu-Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti had to miss out on the opportunity to defend their Malaysia Open title this year after they were forced to retire from the semifinal today.
In a match against world number 1 Chen Qing Chen-Jia Yi Fan of China, the Indonesians decided to call it quits after Siti Fadia suffered an injury to her left foot when they were trailing 2-0 in the second set. They lost the first set, 21-9.
Due to the unbearable pain, Siti Fadia had to be assisted and wheeled out of the court to get immediate medical attention.
Speaking to the media after the match, Apriyani admitted that although she was quite disappointed with the situation, she was more concerned over her partner’s wellbeing above all else.
“She (Siti Fadia) was trying to save the shot but hesitated. That was when she slipped and injured her right foot,” said 24-year-old Apriyani.
“She insisted on continuing either way, but it was not long after that the pain became worse and we decided to concede the walkover.
“Luckily it was not the ankle, so we think she could recover soon.
“As much as I am sad and disappointed for losing the chance to retain our title, I just want my partner to get better.”
Meanwhile, champions of the 2019 edition Qing Chen-Yi Fan will have the chance to reclaim their title when they face South Korea’s Baek Ha-na-Lee Yu-lim in the finals tomorrow.
In the mixed doubles discipline, Japan’s Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino defeated Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai, next meeting top seeds Zheng Si Wei-Huang Ya Qiong of China.
Men’s doubles duo Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang of China will fight Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto, 21-18, 21-17. – The Vibes, January 14, 2023
