Sabar and Reza Stay Consistent to Beat South Korean Pair in China Masters Opener

Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani began their China Masters 2026 campaign with a composed straight-games victory over South Korea’s Kang Min-hyuk and Ki Dong-ju.

The sixth-seeded Indonesian pair won 21-18, 21-16 in the round of 32 at Shenzhen Arena on Wednesday. They controlled the match by keeping their playing pattern steady and maintaining focus from the opening exchanges through to the finish.

“Thankfully, we were given a smooth first match at the China Masters. This was the second time we had met them, and we tried to stay consistent with our game plan from beginning to end. We kept our focus,” Sabar said in an official statement from the Indonesian Badminton Association.

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Thankfully, we were given a smooth first match at the China Masters. This was the second time we had met them, and we tried to stay consistent with our game plan from beginning to end. We kept our focus.

The Indonesians identified the Korean pair’s defense as a major obstacle. Rather than rushing their attacks, they chose to play patiently and look for ways through the resistance. That approach helped Sabar and Reza secure the match in two games.

They will meet Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard in the last 16 on Thursday. Sabar said the pair would avoid placing excessive pressure on themselves and concentrate on progressing one match at a time. “Our opportunity here is to do our best in every match. We do not want to think too far ahead. One step at a time, hopefully it will bring sweet results,” he said.

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Our opportunity here is to do our best in every match. We do not want to think too far ahead. One step at a time, hopefully it will bring sweet results.