Leo/Daniel Take Lessons from Defeat Against World-Class Opponents

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A straight‑games loss to world No. 2 Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang has given Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin a clear picture of the adjustments they must sharpen after returning as a pair.

The Indonesian duo are treating their Australian Open 2026 exit as a valuable checkpoint in measuring their progress since reuniting as a partnership.

Leo/Daniel bowed out in the Round of 16 after a 15–21, 18–21 loss to Liang/Wang at the Quaycentre, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney, on Thursday, June 11.

Leo said the match offered clear insights into their current level and what must be refined moving forward.

“We can take positives from today. We can gauge where we stand and what needs improvement after being paired again,” he told the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), as quoted by Antara.

He noted that Liang/Wang were quicker in seizing the initiative, especially in front-court exchanges that repeatedly put the Indonesians under pressure.

“Midway through the first game we tried to keep up, but we made too many unforced errors,” Leo added.

In the second game, Leo/Daniel began finding their rhythm and produced a tighter contest, though Leo admitted their responses came too late to shift momentum.

“Our reactions were a bit slow, and their rotations were very good,” he said.

Daniel highlighted the fast shuttlecock conditions, which made early attacking control even more decisive. “The shuttle was quite fast, so whoever pressed first had the advantage. They also played very safe,” he explained.

Facing one of the world’s top pairs provided critical evaluation material for Leo/Daniel as they work to rebuild their patterns, communication, and on-court responses. ***