From a partnership created in 2015 these 2 athletes have enthralled fans whenever they step on court. Kevin’s showmanship and exquisite racket skills are box office gold; Marcus is the bedrock of the duo. Rivals face unbearable intensity from over the net as the two Indonesian superstars wind up the pressure with split second finesse.
Photo via Alamy/Reuters / Andrew Boyers
They are two-time champions at the All England, but recent history means that there is a sense of unfinished business at this event. Supporters crave an exhilarating run to the final. Whatever happens in 2022 they have a legacy of dazzling battles in Birmingham: some of their most electrifying games have been played here.
2017 Semi-Final v Conrad-Petersen/Kolding
What a Thriller! From the moment the first shuttle was hit it was obvious that this was going to be a special match. There were traces of nerves, but all four players were driven to brilliance by each other. The European champions had the measure of the Minions in set 1; after some astonishing passages of play they closed it out 21-19. Set 2 – and the destiny of the final – turned on Kevin’s flick serve when the scores were level at 12-12. The Danes were outraged, the Indonesians were inspired then won 10 points in a row, eventually levelling 21-13. Rubber…points were traded but it was deadlock up until 17-17 when Kevin and Marcus seized the lead and then refused to relinquish control. Gideon’s match winner was a delicate disguised drop shot. 21-17.
2017 Final v v LI Junhui & LIU Yuchen
Fast & Furious! How much firepower would they have left after the previous night’s epic SF? The contest fizzed with passion and desire. Set 1 was close – just edged by the Indonesians – but Set 2 saw them hit another gear as Kevin went beyond the range of normal perception. His zest and speed of thought were phenomenal. Gideon’s magnificent play liberated Kevin. It was breathtaking as he executed shots that mere mortals cannot even dream of. It felt like non-stop attack; they both were tireless as they pushed for the title. The Chinese duo tried to resist but in vain as the Minions were unstoppable. Their first All England title was won in a whirlwind 35 minutes 21-19, 21-14
2018 Final v Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen
The defending champions came back to Birmingham on a spectacular run of form that continued through to the final. Kevin’s mercurial brilliance blended with Gideon’s tough, focused play meant that they limited the Danes to controllable flurries of resistance. Even though Boe & Mogensen were competing hard and never out of touch on the scoreboard the result seemed inevitable. Kevin’s superhuman anticipation for the winning point – a sharp net kill – epitomized the pair’s dominance of the court. Title retained in straight sets: 21-18, 21-17.
Conclusion
The effervescent genius of Kevin & Marcus has consistently lit up the All England over the years. The tempo of their games, their athleticism and their desire to win this historic tournament always creates high hopes when they arrive in the UK. Once again they are top seeds and should be fighting for a third title by the end of the competition.
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