Tanisha Crasto/Ashwini Ponnappa made a commanding start to their DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2025 campaign, securing a 21-6 21-14 first-round victory over Thailand’s Ornnicha Jongsathapornparn/Sukitta Suwachai.

Reflecting on the 30-minute win, Ponnappa noted their approach and adaptability to the well known tricky conditions of the Istora.

“We started quite steady, being fairly consistent,” she remarked, highlighting how patience in shorter rallies proved crucial. “Playing cool, calm and chatty sum us up so perfectly.”

Their on-court synergy was evident throughout, with Crasto emphasising the relaxed and enjoyable energy they brought to the game.

“We were freer with our shots, not thinking too much, just playing in the moment,” she shared.

It’s a winning formula they believe is working, allowing them to remain present and fluid in their gameplay as they remain committed to taking the collaboration forward following break-up rumours post the Paris Olympics.

Coming off a second-round exit on home soil at the India Open last week, three-time Olympian Ponnappa said: “It’s not the easiest to pick yourself up but seeing other players overcome setbacks reminds you to keep going.”

With tournaments coming thick and fast, the duo are clear about their ambitions for the partnership.

“We are going to play, play, play,” said Crasto, confirming the aim to consistently go deep into tournaments. Reaching the quarterfinals or better yet, the semifinals in Jakarta is the target but their biggest dream remains triumphing at the prestigious All England, which Ponnappa calls ‘the Wimbledon of badminton’.

For now, their priority lies in staying injury-free, maintaining mental freedom and approaching challenges one at a time – a philosophy they hope will carry them to greater heights this season.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan kept the fans happy with a 21-19 22-20 win over Chiang Chien-Wei/Wu Hsuan-Yi, taking their ‘last dance’ into another round. They face Junaidi Arif/Roy King Yap in the next round.

→ Results (Day 1)

→ Order of play (Day 2)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“Oh, we were absolutely not worried. We had it all under control. We had the crowd behind us, we knew what to do and that the Danes would make some mistakes. We were very relaxed.” – Muhammad Rian Ardianto after he and Fajar Alfian came through 13-21 21-19 21-11 agaisnt Daniel Lundgaard/Mads Vestergaard

“My dad watches all my matches. He’s my No.1 supporter and I’m lucky to have him. I’m thankful he helps me every day and I still have a lot to learn from him.” – Two-time All England winner (2004, 2006) Martin Lundgaard Hansen is his son’s biggest cheerleader

“We haven’t played three tournaments in a row for a while so we are adapting. We’ve made two semifinals and now we want to do well in Jakarta. What makes this tournament so special are the fans. They were singing a song during the Alfian/Ardianto match and I had no idea what it was but it sounded good.” – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy on absorbing all the Istora has to offer

“I’m here experiencing a home event with a different partner (Lanny Tria Mayasari) and it’s great. I’m aiming to return with Apriyani (Rahayu) at the All England. I’ve missed her 11 out of 10.” – Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti