Indonesian Mixed Doubles Target Optimal Results at 2025 China Open

JAKARTA — Indonesia’s mixed doubles team is aiming for improved results at the upcoming BWF World Tour Super 1000 China Open 2025, set to take place from July 22–27 at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Changzhou, China.

Head coach of the PBSI national mixed doubles squad, Rionny Mainaky, said last week’s Japan Open Super 750 served as a key evaluation point. While none of the pairs reached the latter stages, young duos such as Amri Syahnawi/Nita Violina Marwah and Jafar Hidayatullah/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu demonstrated noticeable progress in terms of gameplay and fighting spirit.

“I really appreciated the fighting spirit shown by Amri/Nita and Jafar/Felisha in Japan. They stayed motivated under pressure, but there are still areas that need improvement, especially in emotional control during tight matches,” Rionny said in a statement on Monday (July 21) in Jakarta.

Focus on composure and mental control

According to Rionny, both pairs executed their game plans well. However, when the pressure increased, individual nerves led to errors at crucial points.

“Their weaknesses aren’t technical, but more psychological. Under pressure, they tend to get tense, and that affects shot quality,” he explained.

To address this, the coaching team is placing extra focus on mental management, emotional control, and decision-making under stress as they prepare for the China Open.

Three pairs set to compete in Changzhou

Indonesia will field three mixed doubles pairs for the 2025 China Open:

• Amri Syahnawi / Nita Violina Marwah

• Jafar Hidayatullah / Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu

• Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto / Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja (non-national team, PB Djarum)

In the first round, Amri/Nita will once again face China’s Cheng Xing/Zhang Chi, whom they defeated in Japan with a convincing 21-10, 21-19 scoreline.

Meanwhile, Jafar/Felisha will go up against sixth seeds from Malaysia, Goh Soon Huat/Lai Shevon Jemie — a pair they previously beat at the 2025 Asian Championships.

Rehan/Gloria, who are returning to international action, will play against Indian duo Ashith Surya/Amrutha Pramuthesh in their opening match.

Hoping to bounce back from Japan Open exit

The China Open 2025 presents a major opportunity for redemption, following a disappointing performance in Japan where all Indonesian mixed doubles pairs exited in the second round.

“Their overall game has improved — now it’s about maintaining composure in the closing stages. If they can do that, I’m confident we’ll see better results in China,” said Rionny.

The China Open remains one of the most prestigious tournaments on the BWF calendar, offering a total prize pool of USD 2 million (approx. IDR 32.6 billion).