Jafar/Felisha Learn Valuable Lessons from Singapore Open 2025

SINGAPORE, FRIDAY - Although they have not succeeded in advancing further in the 2025 Singapore Open, the Indonesian mixed doubles pair, Jafar Hidayatullah/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu, returned with valuable lessons. Merely being bold is not enough when facing seeded opponents.

They must also be able to remain calm under pressure and adapt more quickly in the field. This is a lesson they can take for other tournaments, including performing in front of their home crowd at the Indonesia Open 2025, from June 3 to 8.

When it comes to competitive mentality, Jafar/Felisha exhibit courage when facing opponents who are more senior and favored over them. As badminton players aged 22 and 19, respectively, they are eager for experience, approaching each opponent with enthusiasm rather than humility or fear.

This was also demonstrated by Jafar/Felisha when facing the fourth seed of the tournament and the mixed doubles champions of All England 2025, Guo Xin Wa/Chen Fang Hui (China), on Friday (30/5/2025). Competing in the quarterfinals of the Singapore Open at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Jafar/Felisha maintained their confidence. However, they ultimately lost with a score of 8-21, 22-24.

"The results are indeed not as expected, but we are still grateful to have completed the match today. Earlier, we tried various methods, all strategies to win," said Felisha.

In the first game, Jafar/Felisha actually managed to compete closely in the early points. However, approaching the interval, Jafar/Felisha appeared to be under pressure from the relentless attacks of their opponents in this first Super 750 level tournament of the BWF World Tour.

Under pressure, Jafar/Felisha struggled to find a solution to reverse the momentum. Ultimately, the champions of the Taiwan Open Super 300 were forced to lose the first game.

The lesson is we have to be calmer at critical points, the start also cannot be missed. - Felisha Alberta N Pasaribu -

Felisha acknowledged how difficult it was for her and Jafar to escape the pressure from their opponents in the first game. They were more surprised and unprepared for the opponents' attacks. Nevertheless, they made an effort to recover in the second game.

Despite continuously trailing in the early points, Jafar/Felisha appeared more composed in the second game. As is characteristic of them, Jafar demonstrated his ability to create varied attacks.

In addition to smashes that were difficult for opponents to return, Jafar also often released shots that had unpredictable directions. This included when he thwarted his opponent's match point for the second time with a rally and neat ball placement from Jafar. Guo was running around chasing the shuttlecock until Chen finally failed to block Jafar's smash.

Felisha continues to bravely compete at the net. She often surprises her opponents with powerful and swift shots that are difficult to anticipate. The combination of Jafar/Felisha's skills, accompanied by their composure, allows them to continually narrow the point gap with their opponents.

With this fierce resistance, it was natural for Guo/Chen to scream in relief when they finally won the last point to ensure their victory. When the second game seemed to be over, namely when Guo/Chen got match point at 17-20, Jafar/Felisha were able to thwart it. Not just once, but three times until the score was tied at 20-20.

The situation turned to Jafar/Felisha who finally got the match point with a 21-20 advantage. However, their composure was shattered again so that they often made mistakes that eventually resulted in points for their opponents. This situation made Guo/Chen superior again.

Guo/Chen were momentarily happy when their shuttlecock was deemed to have gone in, so an additional point ensured they ended the second game with a score of 23-21. However, Jafar put forward a challenge that was successful because the shuttlecock went out. However, as in the previous moment, Jafar/Felisha's composure was shattered again and the last two points went to their opponents.

"The lesson is that we have to be calmer at critical points, the start must not be missed. Adaptation and feeling on the field must be faster and more mature," said Felisha.

Jafar expressed his disappointment for not being able to maximize the advantage in the second game to turn the situation around and extend the match to a third set. Nevertheless, this also served as a lesson for him. He acknowledged that to win, it is not enough to find the desired playing pattern; they must discover it more quickly.

Jafar/Felisha is one of the two remaining representatives from Indonesia in the 2025 Singapore Open badminton tournament. Indonesia only sent seven representatives from three categories to the tournament. With the elimination of Jafar/Felisha, Indonesia's hopes of bringing home the title now rest solely on the men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, who will also compete on Friday.

For Jafar/Felisha, who are competing in a BWF tournament at level 750 for the first time, reaching the quarter-finals is already a good start. Therefore, the lessons learned from the Singapore Open can be applied in preparation for the next event, including the Indonesia Open, which has a higher level, scheduled for June 3-8.

Based on the schedule prepared by the mixed doubles coaching team, Jafar/Felisha will conclude their Asia Tour by participating in the Indonesia Open Super 1000. This moment will mark their second opportunity to perform in front of their home audience in a BWF World Tour tournament after the Indonesia Masters Super 500 at the beginning of 2025.

Jafar/Felisha is one of the seven mixed doubles pairs in the main national training center. Given their potential, which has been evident since they first paired up by winning three tournaments at the international challenge and Super 100 levels, Jafar/Felisha is regarded by badminton fans in the country as the future mixed doubles pair of Indonesia.

Moreover, at the Badminton Asia Championships, which offers ranking points equivalent to Super 1000 tournaments such as the Indonesia Open, Jafar/Felisha managed to reach the semifinals. With their experience in the Asia Championships and mid-level BWF tournaments, it is not impossible for Jafar/Felisha to deliver another surprise when competing in Indonesia.