Indonesia beats Malaysia to retain Thomas Cup
Indonesia beats Malaysia to retain Thomas Cup
HONG KONG (Agencies): Indonesia retained badminton's Thomas Cup yesterday with a 3-2 victory over fierce rival Malaysia to give a much-needed morale boost to its troubled country.
It was Indonesia's 11th win and its third in succession while Malaysian coach Morten Frost tasted defeat for the second straight time. He was in charge of the Danish team that lost 5-0 to Indonesia in 1996.
World number 12 Hendrawan, whose 18-14 10-15 15-5 win over Yong Hock Kin turned the match Indonesia's way, summed up the patriotic fervor which enveloped the team.
"We have had more motivation to win the Thomas Cup because of what has been happening back home," said Hendrawan, who shared a US$10,000 win bonus with his teammates. "Every day before play the team manager reminded us of the troubles in Indonesia and made us promise to play well to take back the Thomas Cup. I'm sure this win will give the people some relief."
Badminton is the national sport in Indonesia and the final was screened live to the country's 200 million people. An estimated 70 percent of the population watched the 1996 final between Indonesia and Denmark.
Frost paid tribute to the fighting spirit of his team and complimented the victors.
"We lost to a better side -- they were slightly better than us," he said. "We fought every inch of the way and had our chances but they slipped away. It's disappointing to lose but that's life."
Malaysia's All-England finalist Ong Ewe Hock took the opening match against former world champion Heryanto Arbi, whose movement was restricted by a calf injury.
Ong was fired up for the encounter and took full advantage of Arbi's lack of speed around the court to win 18-14 15-7.
Olympic champion Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky survived some nervous moments to beat the world's top ranked pair Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock 15-3 18-15.
The Indonesians opened up a 13-6 lead in the second game but faltered with victory in sight and Cheah and Yap edged into a 14- 13 advantage. But Subagja turned the match back the Indonesians way with some fine serving and powerful smashes.
Hendrawan, who was on the verge of being dropped from the national squad last year, won the vital third match to put the holders within touching distance of the title.
The Indonesian had beaten Yong in the team's group encounter and struck back from 13-6 behind to win the opener 18-14. He lost his way when leading 9-5 in the second and a string of unforced leaders handed the game to Yong.
Hendrawan regrouped for the final assault and his more aggressive tactics paid dividends.
"In the second game I tried to be a bit showy and made too many unforced errors," he said. "My coach told me to play faster in the decider and that worked. I am really happy with what I did today -- I was playing so badly last year and thought I would be dropped from the squad. That made me train harder."
World champion Candra Wijaya and Budiarto Sigit, who have had an invincible air about them this week, overpowered Lee Wan Wah and Choon Tan Fook 15-11 15-12 to clinch the tie and spark emotional scenes amongst the flag-waving Indonesian supporters.
Joko Suprianto had to struggle hard before he was beaten by Roslim Hashim 10-15, 15-11, 2-15.
Indonesia's victory was applauded by spectators at the Queen Elizabeth stadium. The players and officials carried on their back team manager Agus Wirahadikusuma, Antara reported from Hong Kong
The Indonesian women's Uber Cup team, who lost to China 1-4 on Saturday, was expected to leave Hong Kong today and upon arrival in Jakarta, the team will be greeted by State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs Agung Laksono.
The women's team was scheduled to meet President B.J. Habibie but the date is yet to be decided.
Results
Ong Ewe Hock (Mas) bt Heryanto Arbi (Ina) 18-14, 15-7 Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky (Ina) bt Cheah Soon Kit/Yap Kim Hock (Mas) 15-3, 18-15 Hendrawan (Ina) bt Yong Hock Kin (Mas) 18-14, 10-15, 15-5 Candra Wijaya/Budiarto Sigit (Ina) bt Lee Wan Wah/Choong Tan Fook (Mas) 15-11, 15-12 Roslin Hashim (Mas) bt Joko Suprianto (Ina) 15-10, 11-15, 15-2