China clinches a record sixth Uber Cup title

HONG KONG (Agencies): China won the Uber Cup team badminton championship for a record six times after downing holder Indonesia 4-1 here yesterday.

It was sweet revenge for the Chinese who lost to the same opponents in the two previous final encounters between them in 1994 and 1996.

"There was a lot of pressure on us as we had lost the last two finals, but I was always confident we could win if the players played to the top of their form," said China team manager Li Yongbo after the final played before a frenzied, sell-out crowd at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.

"We have a much more mature squad this year and that was the key to the victory," he added.

Downcast Indonesian team manager Agus Wirahadikusumah apologized to the country's 200 million people for the loss.

"I apologize to the people of Indonesia for not successfully defending the title," he said. "The teams were evenly matched but we did not have the luck today. With deep grief I admit that China deserved to win."

World champion Ye Zhaoying led the way with a hard-earned 11- 9, 10-12, 11-5 win over archrival Susi Susanti in the opening singles match.

Ye lived up to her top ranking with a display of controlled badminton incorporating steep smashes, punishing clearances and delightful drop shots.

Susi, who has cut back her playing schedule since marrying fellow international Alan Budikusuma last February, tried everything she knew but was eventually overpowered by her younger opponent.

It was Ye's first win over Susi in the Uber Cup and set the tone for the remaining matches.

"I was confident of winning because I have prepared well for this event. There were moments that Susanti struck back at me but I never really felt under pressure," said Ye.

"Susanti is a bit slower than she was a few years ago and I am playing well at the moment."

Susi praised her opponent and said that she was happy with her own form.

"She played better than me but I am quite satisfied because I tried to the maximum. The first singles was important for the team so it was disappointing to lose."

World champions Ge Fei and Gu Jun, who have looked invincible during the tournament, hammered the makeshift pairing of Zelin Resiana and Indarti Isolina 15-7 15-1. Indonesia split their doubles pairings to make the second team stronger.

World number three Gong Zhichao put the result beyond doubt with a comeback win over Mia Audina, Indonesia's heroine in 1994 when she won the final rubber against China.

Gong saved two match points in the second game before winning 9-11, 12-10, 11-4 over a tense Mia.

"I concentrated on every point and did not feel much pressure as I had studied the way she plays," said Gong, who had lost her last two matches against Mia.

"I think Audina was nervous in the final game and that made it easier for me to win. I did not win the Uber Cup for China -- I am just part of the team."

The Uber Cup defeat prevented Indonesia from making a repeat of double win in the last two events. Indonesia, where badminton is the most popular sport, defends the men's Thomas Cup against Malaysia today.

Results

China 4 Indonesia 1 (Chinese named first) Ye Zhaoying bt Susi Susanti 11-9, 10-12, 11-5 Ge Fei/Gu Jun bt Zelin Resiana/Indarti Isolina 15-7, 15-1 Gong Zhichao bt Mia Audina 9-11, 12-10, 11-4 Qin Yiyuan/Tang Yongshu lost to Eliza/Deyana Lomban 15-5, 11-15, 9-15 Dai Yun bt Meiluawati 11-3, 11-6