Tommy Sugiarto Beats Chen Long in Badminton Indonesia Open

Jakarta (Antara) - Indonesia's single player Tommy Sugiarto was finally able to beat the world's second best Chen Long in a straight set at the first round of the Djarum Indonesia Open 2013 here on Wednesday evening. This was Tommy's first victory over the Chinese player after losing six times before. He defeated Chen Long 21-11, 21-18 before hundreds of spectators who gave full support to the son of former top player Icuk Sugiarto. Tommy closed the first set impressively with a 21-11 score. The game then turned very tight in the second set with Tommy being left behind in points 4-8. Tommy tried to catch up but still failed as Chen Long, the London Olympic bronze medalist, kept attacking Tommy with strong smashes. However with his patience Tommy later could narrow the gap in points to 9-11 and then equalize the score to 12-12. Chen Long again battered Tommy with his smashes and led 18-14. Again with his superb patience Tommy was able to equalize 18-18 before finally closing the set 21-18 to the applause of his supporters. He knelt in gratefulness over his first victory over the 24-year old Chinese. (*)