Indonesia storm into final of 17th Thomas Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia outclassed Japan by 3-1 in the semi final of 17th Thomas Cup at the Purta Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
Indonesian players were exceptional throughout the match and they also got support from large crowd present at Purta Stadium. Indonesia already won this event 13 times and if they managed to win this year tournament, it will be their 14th title.
Taufik Hidayat, who is currently world number five and seeded second in this tournament, laid the foundation of Indonesian victory when he smashed runner-up of All England Kenichi Tago by 21-9 and 21-14.
“I feel like I am getting better and better. I was more cautious in the second set and more comfortable in the first. I made some mistakes but I didn’t allow my opponent to take advantage of them. It wasn’t an easy game for me but I’m going to improve my game for the final. What counts is I’m fighting for my country,” said by former world and Olympic champion.
“There is no doubt my condition wasn’t very good but I couldn’t figure out why, and that was the problem, Taufik is the best player ever. Even though sometimes he is defeated by other top players, he is the best.” Tago said.
Indonesia’s Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan convincingly beat Kenichi Hayakawa and Kenta Kazuno of Japan in just 22 minutes by 21-9 and 21-11 and give Indonesia 2-0 lead.
Sho Sasaki showed resistance from Japan as he beat Indonesia’s Simon Santoso who was replacing injured Sony Dwi Kuncoro. Nova Widianto and Alvent Yulianto Chandra beat Noriyasu Hirata and Hirouki Endo by 21-14 and 22-20 to finish the match.
Indonesia last won the Thomas Cup in China back in 2002 and they will face the winner of second semi final between China and Malaysia.
“It doesn’t matter who we play in the final — China or Malaysia. China are the favourites, Malaysia are the hosts. I’m just happy to be in the final.” Said by team manager Yacob Rusdianto.
Related posts:
One Comment »