A splendid win in Indonesia Open takes Sony Dwi Kuncoro to new heights – Badminton Feature
When Indonesia’s talented campaigner Sony Dwi Kuncoro was under severe criticism due to his long streak of failures, he silenced his critics by performing exceptionally well in the 2012 Indonesia Open GP Gold.
World Number 23 shuttler had been falling prey to relatively lower ranked players and this doubled the trouble for him as the badminton-crazy nation opened fire at him. This was not the end as a couple of former internationals started advising him to hang
up his racket to make space for the younger lot.
The 28-year-old Sony, who holds the honour of winning a silver medal in 2007 World Championships, proved a quiescent fellow as he never reacted and kept on playing his game honestly.
Finally, his hard work paid off and he managed to prove his worth in front of millions of Indonesian badminton lovers. He remained invincible in this Grand Prix Gold event and gave a strong statement about his talent.
The Olympic Bronze medallist Sony Kuncoro claimed the throne despite of the presence of world’s top shuttlers like Simon Santoso, Sho Sasaki, Arif Abdul Latif and Andrew Smith.
Though, he was blessed with a dream draw but still he put all in his possession to save the honour. He started his campaign against a lower ranked compatriot shuttler Januari Ari who was no comparison to his experience and brilliance in the game.
Sony did not find any trouble while registering a straight-set victory in his opening match and set-up his next clash with another Indonesian campaigner Wibowo Setyaldi Putra. He played with great precision and cornered his unseeded rival in all areas of
the game. His strategy was so complete that the opposing shuttler could stand for just 25 minutes.
This splendid victory alarmed all the contestants and the British player, Andrew Smith made every effort to put his expedition to halt in pre quarter-finals. However, Sony showed strong character in the pressure situation and proceeded to round of eight
with an impressive 2-1 win.
His next challenge was to surpass the World Number six player Sho Sasaki in the quarter-final round. He confounded the prime Japanese shuttler with a lustrous performance. He proved himself superior technically and tactically while sealing a commendable
victory with 2-1 margin.
It was smooth sailing for Sony in the semi-finals as he was up against an inexperienced contender Huan Gao of China. He did not show any mercy to the youngster and dominated in just two games.
Now the fifth seeded Sony Kuncoro was just one knock away from his first international title after 2012 Thailand Open GP Gold. He was scheduled to meet his team-mate Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka in the title match.
Sony, who was hanging by a thread to stay alive, played his heart out and wrapped the showdown in a favourable manner. He utilised all of his confidence which he earned through an unbeatable run and earned the right to be at top of the victory stand.
The Indonesia Open may not be the most prestigious badminton event but this timely win certainly will help him reclaim his status in the arena. First immediate benefit was in shape of the elevation in the World rankings as he was promoted to 23rd
position.
Sony Kuncoro will have to show consistency in his performance as only a constant progress will ensure his permanent spot in the national squad.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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