KUALA LUMPUR: It was billed as a duel between two rising stars and, on this occasion, France’s Alex Lanier emerged on top against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan.
Both players, aged 20, had met three times previously. Lanier’s victory yesterday (Jan 7) levelled their head-to-head record at two wins apiece, with the Frenchman confident that many more encounters lie ahead.
“We are the same age and this was just one of many times we will face each other in the coming years,” said the world No. 8 after winning 21-13, 19-21, 21-13 in the opening round at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
“It was a close match, but in the deciding game, I noticed he wasn’t feeling too good. I’m glad I managed to hold on and reach the second round.”
The Frenchman, who has stated his goal was to win world and Olympic medals, added his next target is to break into the top five.
To do that, Lanier has to stay consistent. He has a good chance of reaching the quarterfinals in Kuala Lumpur.
The reigning European champion, the first Frenchman to claim the title, also made history by becoming his country’s first BWF World Tour Super 750 winner at the 2024 Japan Open.
Meanwhile, Farhan missed the post-match press conference after requiring a wheelchair to leave the court following the match.
Despite his early exit, the Indonesian has already built an impressive resume at just 20, having won three SEA Games gold medals, including the men’s singles title in Thailand last month.
Currently ranked world No. 17, Farhan is widely regarded as Indonesia’s next major men’s singles prospect, known for his aggressive and all-round style of play. He was also the first Indonesian to win the men’s singles gold medal at the World Junior Championships, two years ago.
He is coached by Indra Wijaya, who previously served as Malaysia’s junior men’s singles coach in 2016 and later as head coach of the women’s singles team. Wijaya left the role in 2020 to coach Lee Zii Jia, with that partnership ending in 2022.
