Returning to a familiar arena after a career-threatening back problem, Praveen Jordan allowed himself a broad smile. Jordan and Melati Daeva Oktavianti had crossed a tricky first round obstacle, in the form of compatriots Dejan Ferdinansyah and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja, emerging winners in three games.

Three years ago this was the stage for their career’s biggest triumph. Since then their career has followed a somewhat uneven path, with more downs than ups, and with Jordan undergoing surgery to his spine last year, the situation appeared dire.

They made their comeback at the Indonesia Masters in January where they lost the opening round; at last week’s YONEX German Open 2023 they lasted until the second. But the All England is different, for Jordan has two titles here, with Debby Susanto in 2016 and Oktavianti in 2020.

“We are happy to be back at the All England, it’s exciting to be here. We enjoyed the game today, particularly as it’s a long time since I played here,” said Jordan.

“I had a surgery to my spine six months ago. Of course I was down and lost faith due to the pain. After the surgery I couldn’t play for three months. But I was always motivated to return, and thanks to Melati’s commitment, we want to reach a high level again.”

How far off is he from his best form?

“I’m trying my best, I’m not yet at my highest level. But I’m looking to get back and doing my best. The point is that after the operation, now I’m ready to compete.”

Highlights

• England’s Gregory Mairs and Jenny Moore were desperately close to a big win on home turf as they led German Open runners-up Kim Won Ho/Jeong Na Eun 16-8 in the third game, but the Koreans scripted a stunning turnaround, taking the match 15-21 21-9 21-19.
• Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping suffered their first loss after three winning three straight titles, as they fell to Chinese Taipei’s Ye Hong Wei/Lee Chia Hsin 21-15 21-16.
• Kunlavut Vitidsarn, despite nursing a sore ankle from the German Open, beat Kento Momota for the first time in three matches, 23-21 21-15.
• Two-time champions Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan progressed to the second round with a hard-fought 25-23 21-18 result over compatriots Pramudya Kusumawardana/Yeremia Rambitan.

WHAT THEY SAID:

“To throw away that kind of lead, it’s pretty crushing. All England is such a dream tournament and you want to go as far as you can.” – Moore

“We are disappointed, because we’d prepared well for today. We are still adapting to each other, and to lose a game once is a good way to keep us alert.” – Huang

“I twisted my ankle in Germany. It took some time to heal. It feels better now, but I’ve taped it up.” – Vitidsarn

“Right now I’m still searching for a coach, hopefully I will figure it out soon.” – Pusarla

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of play (Day 3)