Tontowi/Natsir Clinch into Semifinals after Beating Fellow Indonesian Pair Praveen/Debby

Rio de Janeiro, 12 Duzlqa’dah 1437/15 August 2016 (MINA) – It is very unfortunate, two Indonesian mixed doubles pairs had met in the quarterfinals of the Rio Olympics badminton competition in accordance with the drawing for them.

Mixed doubles coach Richard Mainaky regretted this.

Mainaky was actually hoping Tontowi/Natsir and Praveen/Debby meet with other pairs in the quarterfinals.

In the match at Riocentro – Pavilion 4, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday morning Western Indonesian Time, Tontowi/Natsir won straight set over Praveen/Debby with relative ease.

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“Too bad if they have to meet in the last eight for the two pairs are in excellent performance. If separated, we could have a better chance.”

But if the two pairs should meet, it means semifinal ticket has been secured. In the semifinals, whoever wins, at least a bronze has been in hands, Richard told badmintonindonesia.org.

The third seed won over Praven/Debby in straight set of 21-16 and 21-11.

Tontowi/Natsir will take on top seeded Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei (China) in the semifinals. (T/R07/R01)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)