Kevin and Rahmat win Korea Masters 2023 in their debut as a pair

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A stunning performance

Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Rahmat Hidayat, the new Indonesian men's doubles pair, stunned the badminton world by winning the Korea Masters 2023 title in their debut as a pair. The duo defeated the second-seeded Chinese pair of Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen in a thrilling three-game final, 21-18, 16-21, 21-19, on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the Gwangju Women's University Stadium².

Kevin and Rahmat, who were unseeded in the tournament, showed remarkable chemistry and skill throughout the week, beating several higher-ranked opponents on their way to the final. They defeated the fourth-seeded Malaysian pair of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in the quarter-finals, 21-17, 21-15, and the sixth-seeded Korean pair of Choi Solgyu and Seo Seung Jae in the semi-finals, 21-14, 21-16³.

In the final, Kevin and Rahmat faced a tough challenge from the Chinese pair, who are the reigning world champions and the Asian Games silver medalists. The first game was a close affair, with both pairs exchanging leads and points. Kevin and Rahmat managed to edge ahead in the end, thanks to their aggressive and creative play. The second game saw the Chinese pair bounce back, as they controlled the pace and the net, forcing Kevin and Rahmat to make errors. The third game was a nail-biter, as both pairs fought for every point, with neither side giving up. Kevin and Rahmat saved two match points at 18-20, and then scored three consecutive points to seal the victory, sparking wild celebrations from the Indonesian camp².

A new partnership

Kevin and Rahmat's triumph in Korea was even more remarkable considering that they had never played together before. Kevin, who is widely regarded as one of the best doubles players in the world, had previously partnered with Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, forming the legendary pair known as the Minions. Together, they had won 33 titles, including four All England titles, two World Tour Finals titles, and the Asian Games gold medal in 2018⁴. However, after a series of disappointing results in 2023, the pair decided to split and try new partners, with the aim of improving their chances for the 2024 Olympics⁴.

Rahmat, who is 10 years younger than Kevin, had previously partnered with Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, forming a promising pair that had won several junior titles, including the World Junior Championships in 2019 and the Asian Junior Championships in 2020⁴. However, after failing to make an impact in the senior level, the pair also decided to part ways and seek new opportunities⁴.

The decision to pair Kevin and Rahmat was made by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), who saw the potential of combining Kevin's experience and flair with Rahmat's power and speed. The pair was given a trial period of three months, starting from the Korea Masters 2023, to prove their compatibility and performance⁴.

A bright future

Kevin and Rahmat's success in Korea has certainly exceeded the expectations of many, including themselves. They have shown that they have the talent, the teamwork, and the temperament to compete with the best in the world. They have also boosted their confidence and their ranking, as they aim to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

However, they are also aware that they still have a lot to learn and improve, as they face tougher challenges ahead. They will have to deal with the pressure and the expectations of being the new Indonesian men's doubles pair, as well as the competition from other pairs, both from within and outside the country. They will also have to maintain their consistency and their fitness, as they play more tournaments and more matches.

Nevertheless, Kevin and Rahmat have shown that they have the potential to become the next great Indonesian men's doubles pair, following the footsteps of their predecessors and their idols. They have also shown that they have the passion and the joy for the game, as they play with smiles and style. They have given a new hope and a new excitement to the Indonesian badminton fans, who will be eagerly following their progress and cheering for their success.