INDOPOSCO.ID – Indonesian men’s doubles pair Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana claimed the all-Indonesian final at the Thailand Masters 2026 after defeating young compatriots Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin.
Playing at Nimibutr Stadium in Pathumwan, Thailand, on Sunday, Leo/Bagas secured a straight-games victory, 21-10, 21-17, in 35 minutes. The title marked their second career championship, ending a long wait since their triumph at the Korea Open 2024, held from Aug. 27 to Sept. 1 in Seoul, South Korea.
“Alhamdulillah, we were able to win the Thailand Masters Super 300 this time. We hadn’t reached a final for a long time, and we also hadn’t won a title since the Korea Open 2024. I would like to thank all the coaches who have supported and helped us,” Leo said in an official statement released by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) on Sunday (Feb. 1, 2026).
Leo admitted he was overwhelmed with emotion after finally lifting the title at the Thailand Masters 2026, as the pair had gone a long time without a championship and had reached only one final since the Korea Open 2024, when they lost in the All England 2025 final.
“I also want to apologize for my celebration when I smashed my racket, because it has been a long time since we last won a title and it happened spontaneously,” Leo said.
Asked about the key to their victory over Raymond/Joaquin, Leo said he and Bagas had prepared a strategy to avoid engaging in fast-paced rallies against the younger pair, who are the 2025 Australian Open champions and runners-up at the 2026 Indonesia Masters.
“What we prepared before facing Raymond/Joaquin was to stay focused and not get drawn into their speed. They are younger, so naturally they are faster,” said the 24-year-old shuttler.
Meanwhile, Bagas said he was delighted to finally return to the winner’s podium after a long drought. He hopes the early-season title will spark a resurgence for him and Leo in upcoming tournaments.
“The motivation came from our parents, ourselves, and each other, because we have been away from the podium for a long time and wanted to bounce back. This win feels like a revival, but we must not be satisfied too quickly because there are still many tournaments ahead,” Bagas said.
Defeating Raymond/Joaquin marked the second time Leo/Bagas overcame fellow Indonesians at the Thailand Masters. Earlier, the world No. 16 pair eliminated Muhammad Rian Ardianto/Rahmat Hidayat in the semifinals with a 21-8, 21-18 victory.
Indonesia’s triumph in the men’s doubles event was the country’s second title at the Thailand Masters, following Amallia Cahaya Pratiwi/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti’s victory in the women’s doubles.
Indonesia is also guaranteed another title at the Super 300 tournament in the mixed doubles, following an all-Indonesian final between Bobby Setiabudi/Melati Daeva Oktavianti and Adnan Maulana/Indah Cahya Sari Jamil, as reported by Antara.
The Red-and-White team could add another trophy in the men’s singles if Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah overcomes host nation representative Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul. (aro)
