Syakuroh dominates SL 3 final for further Indonesian gold
Indonesia’s Ikhtiar Syakuroh proved too strong for Manasi Joshi, winning both games to take gold in the women’s singles SL 3 final.
Syakuroh, a World Championship silver medalist this year, looked comfortable throughout as she took the first game 21 to 6, then saw out the victory 21 to 12 to take the top prize.
The match was played at a lightning pace, with point-winning slams preferred to distance rallies. This clearly suited the Indonesian who comfortably led 11 to 3 at the first interval.
Despite Syakuroh’s dominance, Joshi was the stronger player on the baseline. She produced an excellent clear to take the game to 15 to 6, but these chances were at a premium and Syakuroh cruised a 21 to 6 first game win.
More of the same continued as Syakuroh’s form and pedigree overwhelmed Joshi, who found herself 11 to 6 down at the second game interval after a powerful smash from her opponent.
The interval was a positive one for Joshi though who returned with two big clears but again, chances were not appearing for the Indian player who was quickly seeing her chances of a gold medal slipping away.
What was most impressive about Syakuroh was her ability to control all areas of the court. Without the ability to react quickly enough, Joshi would be forced into positions she couldn’t recover from, giving Syakuroh easy points.
These points took the Indonesian star to a resounding 21 to 12 victory in game two, securing the gold for her and another for her country in what was turning into a memorable occasion for Indonesian para-badminton.
By Nathan Hassett