Malaysia’s men’s doubles hopes at the 2025 Indonesia Open came to an end in the semi-finals as world No. 7 pair Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun were edged out by Indonesia’s home favourites Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Reza Pahlevi Isfahani in a tension-filled encounter at the Istora Senayan.
Despite a spirited display, Wei Chong and Kai Wun were unable to overcome a hostile atmosphere and fell 18-21, 21-12, 18-21 in a pulsating 59-minute battle that was often marred by the rowdy, partisan crowd, which repeatedly booed the Malaysians during their service routines.
The match was as much a mental war as a physical contest. Each point played by the Malaysians was met with deafening noise, making communication and rhythm a challenge. Yet, the duo showed admirable composure to force a third game after a dominant second set.
In the decider, Wei Chong and Kai Wun came close, but crucial errors and the relentless energy of the home pair proved decisive. The defeat marked their second loss in three meetings with Sabar-Reza and dashed hopes of a second title in Jakarta this year after their Indonesia Masters triumph in January.
While the loss is a bitter pill, Wei Chong and Kai Wun have much to be proud of. This was their fourth semi-final appearance of the season, complementing two title wins – the Malaysia Masters and Indonesia Masters. The pair have now collected five career titles and finished as runners-up three times, including last year’s Indonesia Open Super 1000 final.
For their semi-final finish, the Malaysian duo will pocket US$20,300 (RM85,898) in prize money.
The electrifying Indonesian pair, meanwhile, will march on to the final, where they will face the winner of the all-star clash between fellow Indonesians Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto and South Korea’s Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
