PROTON-BWF THOMAS & UBER CUP 2010 FINALS: Indonesia too strong for Japan
News 4:50 PM
Indonesia have finally regained their place in the Thomas Cup final when they defeated Japan 3-1 at Putra Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
The 13-time champions last appearance in the Thomas Cup final was in 2002, the year they defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the final which was held in Guangzhou. Since then, China have dominated the series, winning three crowns on the trot, beating Denmark (2004 and 2006) and South Korea (2008). 
Ever since Indonesia first played in the tournament, the longest they have ever failed to appear in the title decider was four years, missing out in 1988 and 1990.
Manager Yakob Rusdianto said: “We are determined to end our title drought. It doesn’t matter who we face in the final, we are ready. Our boys played well today but we must give credit to Japan, who put up a good fight.”
Former world and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat gave Indonesia a great start when he outplayed young pretender Kenichi Tago 21-9, 21-14 in 37 minutes. Later, Taufik said he hopes to win this third Thomas Cup as he may not be in the team in 2012 as he will be 31 then.
Olympic champions Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan were in devastating form in the first doubles as they hammered Kenichi Hayakawa-Kenta Kazuno 21-9, 21-11 to make it 2-0 in only 22 minutes.
Father-to-be Sho Sasaki delivered another sterling performance when he stopped Indonesia’s Simon Santoso in a three-game thriller to put his team back into contention. He won 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in 66 minutes. Nova Widianto-Alvent Yulianto Chandra, however, ended Japan’s hopes when they defeated Noriyasu Hirata-Hiroyuki Endo 22-20, 21-14 in only 34 minutes.
Japan coach Park Joo-bong was delighted with his boys’ performances despite their defeat, saying: “I have no complains. We gave it our best shot but Indonesia were just too strong today. I’m happy with the way my boys have performed and we shall come back better the next time.”
The Thomas cup final will be played on Sunday.
Ever since Indonesia first played in the tournament, the longest they have ever failed to appear in the title decider was four years, missing out in 1988 and 1990.
Manager Yakob Rusdianto said: “We are determined to end our title drought. It doesn’t matter who we face in the final, we are ready. Our boys played well today but we must give credit to Japan, who put up a good fight.”
Former world and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat gave Indonesia a great start when he outplayed young pretender Kenichi Tago 21-9, 21-14 in 37 minutes. Later, Taufik said he hopes to win this third Thomas Cup as he may not be in the team in 2012 as he will be 31 then.
Olympic champions Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan were in devastating form in the first doubles as they hammered Kenichi Hayakawa-Kenta Kazuno 21-9, 21-11 to make it 2-0 in only 22 minutes.
Father-to-be Sho Sasaki delivered another sterling performance when he stopped Indonesia’s Simon Santoso in a three-game thriller to put his team back into contention. He won 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in 66 minutes. Nova Widianto-Alvent Yulianto Chandra, however, ended Japan’s hopes when they defeated Noriyasu Hirata-Hiroyuki Endo 22-20, 21-14 in only 34 minutes.
Japan coach Park Joo-bong was delighted with his boys’ performances despite their defeat, saying: “I have no complains. We gave it our best shot but Indonesia were just too strong today. I’m happy with the way my boys have performed and we shall come back better the next time.”
The Thomas cup final will be played on Sunday.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 4:50 PM.
Filed under
