The pair Kenzie Yoe and Luna Rianty Saffana are determined to prove their worth as the only representatives of the PBSI national training center competing in the mixed doubles event at the second week of the 2025 Indonesia International Challenge.
In the first round held at the Amongrogo Sports Hall, Yogyakarta, Wednesday, Kenzie/Luna appeared convincing to eliminate the fourth seeds from Taiwan Cheng Kai Wen/Liu Chiao-Yun with a score of 21-17, 21-9.
For Kenzie/Luna, the victory was not only about qualifying for the round of 16, but also proving that they deserve to carry the name of the national training center amidst the tight competition with non-national training center players who outnumber them in the mixed doubles sector.
"As the sole representative from the national training center, I want to show what we can do. Since many people from outside the national training center are also participating, we can't afford to lose," Luna said in an official statement from the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) after the match.
He admitted he struggled in the first game, getting carried away by the opponent's long rally pattern. However, a change in strategy, including more ball play, allowed them to control the game and seize momentum.
