Indonesian fans are on top of the world as they see both their men’s and women’s teams reach the Thomas and Uber Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
It was time for some Indonesian nostalgia in Chengdu, China, this week, with the return of the Indonesian dominance last seen in the nineties.
But it will be their old foe China who will try and spoil the party in both finals.
16 years later
The Indonesia Uber Cup team led the way in a sensational match against the reigning champions Korea. Gregoria Mariska Tunjung started well with a straight game win over Sim Yu Jin. Korea hit right back with a strong win in the women’s doubles with Baek Ha Na/ Lee So Hee over Apriyani Rahayu/ Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti.
Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo ground out a three-game win, 20-22, 21-16, 21-12, over Kim Ga Ram, before once again, Korea levelled the score in the women’s doubles at 2-2.
This left the final singles match to settle it. The hero, Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi, came from a game down to defeat Kim Min Sun, 17-21, 21-16, 21-19. The celebrations began as teammates and coaches flooded the court. The Indonesian women’s team reach another final, as they did in 2008 in Jakarta.
As it was 16 years ago, China will face them in the final after their dominant 3-0 victory over Japan.
Indonesian men do it again
The Indonesian men’s team are into their third Thomas Cup final in-a-row. Today was a professional semifinal performance against Chinese Taipei. A straight game victory from Anthony Sinisuka Ginting over Chou Tien Chen got things going.
Fajar Alifian/ Muhammad Rian Ardianto held their nerve in a nail-biter against Olympic champions, Lee Yang/ Wang Chi-Lin, 16-21, 21-19, 21-18. Then it was the in-form Jonatan Christie who secured their place in the final against Wang Tzu Wei.
It’s a repeat of the 2020 Thomas Cup final against China, who defeated Malaysia 3-1 in their semifinal. Four years ago in Aarhus, Denmark, it was 3-0 for Indonesia. Can they do it again?
The Uber Cup final will begin 9.30am (local).
The Thomas Cup final will begin 6pm (local).