Tontowi/Liliana Breeze into Final after Defeating Top Seed From China

Rio de Janeiro, 13 August 2016 Dzulqa’dah 1437/16 (MINA) – Indonesian mixed doubles pair, Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir, successfully qualified for the Olympic Badminton final after beating the top seed, Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei, in straight sets 21-16 and 21-15.

In a match held here Monday, August 15, or Tuesday morning West Indonesian Time, the Indonesia’s last hope in badminton event look mighty in taking on their archrival.

Entering the game without a victory over Zhang/Zhao in the last two years, Owi and Butet showed determination from the start.

Hard smashes waged by Owi and Butet often difficult to deal with the the Chinese pair, which instead often make mistakes theirself.

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In the final match, Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir will face Malaysian mixed doubles pair, Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying, who beat another Chinese pair Xu Chen/Ma Jin, 21-12 and 21-19.

Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Imam Nahrawi expressed the hope that the indonesian gold medal hopeful would not underestimate opponents they have dispossed in the group preliminary round.

In the final match, Tontowi and Liliana should be more relaxed, maintain concentration and do not at all underestimate their opponent, “said Nahrawi.

Tontowi and Liliyana Natsir will present a very valuable and historic gift for Indonesia, which is celebrating the 71st Independence Day if they win the final match in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. (T/R07/R01)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)