The Indonesian men and women’s soft tennis teams both secured spots in the quarterfinals of the 2018 Asian Games.
The Indonesian teams emerged as the runner-ups in their respective groups following their victories in the qualification matches held at Jakabaring tennis court in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Friday
The men’s team, which played in Group C, defeated India and Cambodia with 3-0 each. The Indonesian team lost 0-3 to Japan, which topped the group. In the quarterfinals on Saturday, the Indonesian team will face Mongolia.
The women’s team, which belonged to Group C, outplayed the Pakistani athletes 3-0 but lost to Japan 3-0. The team will face China on Saturday.
The women’s team coach, Gularso Muljadi, said the team had a 50 percent chance to advance to the semifinals considering their high-performing competitors.
Meanwhile, the men’s team coach, Ferly Montolalu Qamariah, estimated that his team had a 70 percent chance to defeat Mongolia and eventually reach the finals.
Nevertheless, Ferly reminded Indonesian players to not underestimate the Mongolian players, especially because one of the Mongolian single players beat Indonesia’s Alexander Elbert Sie.
"We are keeping a close eye on their singles players. At the moment, we are also focusing on the players’ recovery as they will play a long match next,” said Ferly.
Indonesia was close to winning its first soft tennis gold in men’s singles. But Indonesia missed the target after Elbert Sie conceded to Kim Jinwoong of South Korea with a score of 2-4.
Despite the failure, Ferly said, the men’s team remain confident ahead of Saturday matches.
"No, it does not affect the boys. Yesterday, Elbert and the rest of the team seemed a bit burdened by the target. But today, they managed to shake it off, and tomorrow, hopefully, they’ll be ready," Ferly added.Source