Nineteen years of ready is over – at this time Indonesia have gained again the Thomas Cup.
This group simply bought higher and higher because the competitors progressed and to beat China 3-0 within the closing was a measure of how far they improved collectively. This band of brothers will at all times be famend because the athletes who gained the trophy for Indonesia’s 14th time with the legendary Hendra Setiawan as their captain.
Who may have predicted what this group was able to? It was filled with expertise however a number of the athletes had been misfiring in current video games and others have been trying lackluster. The primary tie was a 5-0 leg-stretcher towards Algeria however subsequent got here Thailand. This match was equal at 2-2 with each senior MS shedding, so it required Rhustavito to step up on the finish to maintain his group successful. The competition with Taiwan was additionally finely balanced: this time Ginting and Christie gained, just for the MD to lose. Once more they needed to look to Rhustavito to rescue the consequence. This victory was essential to substantiate seeding into the knockout phases.
The ‘El Classico’ towards Malaysia within the quarter closing was a tie I used to be relating to with a mix of dread and pleasure. It was lose-able. However that is when the group actually began to appear like they have been contenders. LEE Zii Jia is within the type of his life however he was dispatched by Anthony in straight units; the Minions overcame CHIA/SOH over three and the tie was wrapped up by Christie. No want for any 5 match dramas.
A semi-final towards Denmark on their residence turf is at all times going to be a frightening prospect; particularly when the primary encounter is towards Olympic Champion Viktor Axelsen. It was enjoying out true to type till the third match when Jonatan Christie walked on courtroom to battle Anders Antonsen. What adopted was a really nice efficiency from a person who has struggled together with his type for some time. Over 100 minutes he stayed cool, saved to his plan and uncovered Antonsen’s bland assault and his lack of stamina. This blow to Danish ambitions was mortal, and Alfian/Ardianto executed the coup de grace for a 3-1 win.
One of many distinctive options of this group is that there was at all times a win across the nook from a loss. Their self-belief escalated as the times handed. They knew that historical past was ready to be made and when the probabilities got here towards China they grabbed them. A 3-0 victory is admittedly one thing. The final phrases belong to one in all my favorite gamers ever. Hendra Setiawan is an absolute icon and a beautiful ambassador for badminton; I’m thrilled that it was him who raised the trophy on the rostrum
“I can not specific this sense. I’m simply blissful”
Hendra Setiawan speaking to BWF
For those who loved this then check out my current article about Jonatan Christie https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2021/10/16/thomas-cup-semi-final-mvp-jonatan-christie/
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