The host nation will see two home favourites contest the Indonesia Open 2021 finals tomorrow after an inspiring day of semifinals at the Bali International Convention Centre.

Two-time defending champions Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo kept their title defence alive after edging out Indian duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 21-16 21-18 in 44 minutes.

“We’re really happy, we’re into the finals again. Today was a tough match, they have a very powerful attack and it was really difficult for us,” said Sukamuljo post-match.

‘The Minions’ were 9-0 heading into the encounter but said their imposing record over the world No.11 pair had little bearing on their preparation.

“We don’t think about the previous matches at all,” revealed Gideon.

“Each time we play them, it’s a different match. We tried our best to play against them and we did just that. We’re happy and grateful to win today.”

They now face last week’s foes Takuro Hoki and Yuho Kobayashi in a repeat decider.

“I think we just want to try our best and learn from our mistakes last week. We must really focus for tomorrow,” added Gideon.

Olympic champions Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu became the first Indonesian women’s doubles pair to qualify for an Indonesia Open final since 2015 when they defeated Thailand’s Jongkolphan Kititharakul/ Rawinda Prajongjai 21-18 21-14.

Standing in their way is another victorious Japanese doubles pair from last week in Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida.