Indonesia’s Chico Aura in action during the men’s team semi-final match at Morodok Techo National Stadium. - FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PHNOM PENH: Chico Aura is a man on a mission.
Just a year after failing to shine in the SEA Games in Vietnam, the Indonesian men’s singles shuttler is out to redeem himself in Cambodia.
World No. 19 Chico stayed on the right track by stunning 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew to lead his team to a 3-1 win over Singapore in the semi-finals of the men’s team event at the Morodok Techo badminton hall in Phnom Penh yesterday.
Chico, who played in the first singles, held his nerves in a nail-biting third game to prevail 10-21, 21-7, 24-22.
The other points for Indonesia were delivered by doubles pairs Mohd Shohibul Fikri-Bagas Maulana and Pramudya Kusumawardana-Yeremia Rambitan.
Jason Teh won what turned out to be a consolation point for Singapore in the second singles.
For Chico, it was a great way to make up for his disappointing outing last year where he was part of the team, who had to settle for bronze after losing 2-3 to Thailand in the last four.
The 24-year-old also suffered a shock loss to world No. 86 Jason in the quarter-finals of the individual event.
"I didn’t play well last year," admitted Chico, who had made heads turn after capturing the Malaysian Masters title last July.
"This time, I’m really thankful to my coaches for keeping faith in me and selecting me to lead the team.
"I really want to do better to repay them and make amends for last year.
"I’m so happy that I managed to beat Kean Yew. I hope to continue this momentum in the final and in the individual event."
Indonesia face Malaysia in the final tomorrow and Chico will face Leong Jun Hao in the first singles.
