Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesia's men's doubles duo, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, triumphed once again at the All England Open, retaining their title for the second consecutive year. Their victory came in a commanding fashion as they defeated Malaysia's fifth-seeded pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, in straight sets with scores of 21-16, 21-16, at Birmingham's Utilita Arena on Sunday (17/3/2024). The opening game saw Fajar/Rian seize control early on, establishing a comfortable lead of 6-1 and extending it to 11-6 at the interval, as reported by antaranews.com. After the break, both pairs engaged in a rapid exchange of points, with Fajar/Rian maintaining their dominance. Although Chia/Soh attempted to apply pressure, Fajar/Rian remained unfazed and closed out the game at 21-16. In the second game, Fajar/Rian started strong, but Chia/Soh fought back to level the score at 4-4, 9-9, and 10-10. Undeterred, Fajar/Rian executed precise attacks and strategic placements, maintaining a slight lead and clinching the interval at 11-10. After the interval, the intensity escalated as both pairs intensified their aggression. Despite the pressure, Fajar/Rian stayed composed, reaching match point at 20-16. The decisive moment came when Soh's attempted return found the net, sealing Fajar/Rian's victory with an identical score of 21-16. This triumph extended their record and marked Indonesia's third consecutive men's doubles title at the prestigious All England tournament. Previously, Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Fajar/Rian secured titles in 2022 and 2023, respectively, adding to Indonesia's tally of 23 men's doubles titles at the All England. With this achievement, Fajar/Rian join the ranks of legendary Indonesian pairs, including Ade Chandra/Christian Hadinata, Tjun Tjun/Johan Wahjudi, Rexy Mainaky/Ricky Soebagdja, and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, in successfully defending their All England crowns for two consecutive years. (mg/inp/pr/nm)