All-Indonesian Final for Leo/Bagas at Thailand Masters

Indonesian men's doubles pair Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana have finally returned to the top of the podium. The world number 16 pair emerged as champions of the Thailand Masters 2026 after completing an All Indonesian Final against Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin.

Competing at Nimibutr Stadium, Patumwan, Thailand, on Sunday, Leo/Bagas dominated from the start and closed out the match in straight games 21-10, 21-17 in just 35 minutes. This title is the second for Leo/Bagas, also ending a long wait since they last won the Korea Open 2024.

This success feels special as it comes during a difficult period. Since the Korea Open 2024, Leo/Bagas had only reached one final, when they finished runners-up at the All England 2025.

"Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), we could win this Thailand Masters super 300 tournament. We hadn't reached a final for a long time, nor had we won since Korea Open 2024. I thank all the coaches who have supported and helped us both," said Leo in an official statement from PBSI on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Emotions Spilled Over at the End of the Match

The victory at Thailand Masters 2026 wasn't just about the title, but also about the pent-up emotions finally being released. Leo admitted to mixed feelings after securing the championship, remembering the long podium-less phase they endured.

"I also want to apologize because I slammed my racket during the celebration earlier. It's been a long time since we won, and I spontaneously slammed my racket," Leo stated.

That moment symbolized the heavy pressure they felt and affirmed how significant this victory was for their career journey.

Mature Strategy to Counter Opponents' Speed

Technically, Leo/Bagas played very disciplinedly against Raymond/Joaquin, a young pair known for their aggressiveness and speed. Leo emphasized that the key to their win was restraining themselves from being drawn into a speed contest.

"What we prepared before facing Raymond/Joaquin was basically not to be complacent and not to try to match their speed, because they are younger so it's undeniable they would be faster," said the 24-year-old shuttler.

This approach proved effective. Leo/Bagas were able to control the rallies, forcing their opponents to play outside their comfort zone, and minimizing their own errors.

Bagas also welcomed this title with gratitude and optimism. He hopes this early-year victory marks a turning point in their performance for future tournaments.

"Motivation for this match came from parents, ourselves, and our partner, because we had been off the podium for a long time and we wanted to rise again. It turns out this feels like a revival, but we mustn't be complacent yet because there are still other tournaments," Bagas said.

Red and White Dominance at Thailand Masters

This Champion title completes Leo/Bagas's impressive journey throughout the tournament. Previously, they also eliminated fellow Indonesians Muhammad Rian Ardianto/Rahmat Hidayat in the semifinals with a score of 21-8 and 21-18.

Leo/Bagas's success became Indonesia's second win at Thailand Masters 2026, after Amallia Cahaya Pratiwi/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti had earlier won the Women's Doubles title.

Indonesia was even assured of adding another title from the mixed doubles sector through an All Indonesian Final featuring Bobby Setiabudi/Melati Daeva Oktavianti against Adnan Maulana/Indah Cahya Sari Jamil. An additional title chance also remained open in the men's singles sector if Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah could defeat the home representative, Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul.

Thailand Masters 2026 thus became a stage showcasing the strong dominance of the Red and White (Indonesia), as well as a signal of the revival of Indonesian men's doubles.