A Hope for the Olympic

The Olympic Games 2012 is only four months left. Badminton, as the only game that gives a gold medal since 1992, is becoming the spot light to get the highest achievement. Though it seems impossible before, but now, the possibility is there.


Second week of March creates a new happily atmosphere for Indonesian hope. It's a long waiting to finally triumph the All England title this year.


It's a mix double who makes Indonesian dream comes true. Liliyana Natsir together with her younger partner Tantowi Ahmad grant the very first All England Premier Super Series after 33 years waiting in mixes doubles competition.


Tantowi/Liliyana seeded four defeated the Danes Thomas Labourn/Kamilla Rytter Juhl who place 7th seed in the tournament.  The match between two pairs was absolutely incredible. From the beginning, both pairs started with very aggressive play. Tantowi who usually becomes the weakest point played so attractively. He played so fast and dominated the match. 


First round, Indonesians and Danes played tightly until Kamilla made a lot of mistakes. It was undeniably disadvantage for the Danes. Indonesians looked that opportunity and take that advantage. Second game seemed too easy for the Tantowi and Liliyana as they led five points. But, in fact, it was not. The German Open winner had no word of giving up. They strove to get close with the leading score. They did it. The game were more interesting after they finally got the same point, 19-19. The game were getting nerve-racking for both players but it was Indonesians who could overcome it to finally claim the All England title, 21-17, 21-19.


The winning first title in 2012 triggered them to continue their success in Swiss Open last week. Becoming the 1st seeded, it didnt turn them to be an easy game in the entire tournament. They had to play rubber game with 3 different mixed doubles players in approximately 52 minutes for each match. However, they could conquer the final match shortly with only 23 minutes beating Sudket Prapakamol/Saralee Thoungthongkam with 21-16, 21,14. 


These two consecutive titles surely will boost their confidence. With only few months away from Olympic Games, they are now becoming a solely hope for Indonesia to get Gold Medal in London.