Indonesian Alwi eyes world stage spotlight after taking Viktor's spot
PETALING JAYA: Indonesia's rising star Alwi Farhan could be the one to make the loudest noise at the World Championships after earning a last-minute call-up.
The world No. 23 was promoted from the reserves list following the withdrawal of Denmark's two-time world champion Viktor Axelsen, who pulled out of the men's singles event from Aug 25-31 in Paris due to injury.
Just last week, Alwi underlined his form by clinching the World Tour Super 300 Macau Open title, defeating Malaysia's Justin Hoh in the final.
Now, the 20-year-old is determined to make the most of his debut appearance on badminton's biggest stage.
"I'm really thankful to get this opportunity. I never expected to play in the world meet," said Alwi in an interview posted in the Indonesian National Badminton Association (PBSI) website.
"I'm excited as this will be my first world meet but I need to control my emotions. I want to make the most of this opportunity and gain lots of experience.
"I want to prepare well and give my all. Now that it's confirmed, I need to focus fully on training."
Alwi has been Indonesia's most promising player since winning the world junior title in 2023.
The youngster has steadily moved up the rankings after progressing to the senior level and is currently Indonesia's second highest ranked men's singles player behind world No. 5 Jonatan Christie.
Alwi only started competing in World Tour Super 750 and 1000 tournaments this year and the world meet will present him with another platform to showcase his abilities.
Meanwhile, Jonatan and Anthony Ginting will be the other Indonesian representatives in the men's singles in Paris.
Surprisingly, no Indonesian shuttler has won a medal in the men's singles in the prestigious event since Tommy Sugiarto claimed bronze in the 2014 edition in Copenhagen.
Taufik Hidayat was the last Indonesian to win the men's singles title when he triumphed in 2005 in Anaheim.
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