Metta aims for carefree play in Yonex-Sunrise Jaya Raya Junior International GP quarterfinals

Indonesian young shuttler Metta Handayani Hartono is set to compete in the U-15 girls' singles quarterfinals at the Yonex-Sunrise Jaya Raya Junior International Grand Prix, aiming to play with a relaxed mindset.

Metta secured her spot in the top eight after a hard-fought victory over Japan's Rise Hino. The 13-year-old player battled through three games, ultimately winning 21-13, 16-21, 21-15. Metta admitted her opponent's aggressive style made it difficult to establish her game, and she experienced fatigue and a stomach ache during the second game.

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I had trouble putting pressure on the opponent and got tired because she played very aggressively. Fortunately, the coach kept reminding me to stay patient and not repeat mistakes.

"I had trouble putting pressure on the opponent and got tired because she played very aggressively. Fortunately, the coach kept reminding me to stay patient and not repeat mistakes," Metta said. She credited her coach's encouragement for helping her regain confidence and focus in the deciding game.

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The coach kept encouraging me to bounce back in the third game. After that, I became more confident in attacking and more focused.

In the quarterfinals, Metta faces Thailand's third-seeded Napatcha Choksakulporn. Despite another international opponent, Metta feels more confident when playing against foreign players. "I'm more confident when I meet foreign players. Tomorrow I want to play freely without any pressure," she stated.

Other Indonesian players also advanced. In the U-15 boys' singles, Khoirul Dwi Fahmi and Revie Israel Lumoindong secured quarterfinal berths. Arven Naufal Renaldi and Alvin Jefferson Kusuma progressed in the U-17 boys' singles.

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I'm more confident when I meet foreign players. Tomorrow I want to play freely without any pressure.