PROTON-BWF THOMAS & UBER CUP FINALS 2010: Free win for Malaysia, big wins for Indonesia
News 9:59 AM
Indonesia started the Proton-BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2010 in top gear when they whitewashed Australia 5-0 in both competitions while hosts Malaysia hardly raised a sweat when they were given a walkover by Nigeria who failed to turn up for their Group B Thomas Cup tie.
Despite claims there was disunity within their ranks, the Indonesians powered their way past the minnows to take a giant step forward.
The Danish side will take a break on Monday before playing their second group match against Germany
Former world and Olympic champion, Taufik Hidayat, who has quit the Indonesian federation to become an independent player, took only 26 minutes to defeat Jeff Tho 21-12, 21-12 to give the 13-time Thomas Cup champions a grand start. 
Markis Kido-Hendra Sitiawan were given a slight scare in the first doubles but eventually beat Ross Smith-Glenn Warfe 21-14, 24-22.
The rest of the matches were straight forward affairs and immediately afterwards, Indonesian team manager Yakob Rusdianto moved quickly to deny there was any problems in the camp.
"We are here as a family and families are always united," he said. "Our target is to win the Thomas Cup for the 14th time. Both the players and the Indonesian association share the same dream."
He added Sony Dwi Kuncoro, who was reportedly unhappy with the team's preparations in the build-up to the tournament, didn't play today as Indonesia face a tough match against India
"We were confident of beating Australia and I wanted to give some of my players a chance to shine before we play India
In a Group B Thomas Cup tie, Malaysia were given a 5-0 win after Nigeria, who only arrived in Kuala Lumpur late Sunday night due to flight problems, failed to show up for their tie at the Putra Stadium.
Meanwhile, Danish ace Peter Gade is hoping to end his career in style by winning the Thomas Cup for the first time in his career. 
The seasoned shuttler, however, admitted it will be difficult to predict the team’s journey in this highly contested edition judging by his past experience.
“Some say we have the best team this time around. The same was also said at the 2000 edition and yet we lost to Indonesia
Gade believes he is playing well at the moment and this was evident after he easily brushed aside Poland
The Danish team, who won the European championships last month, went on to beat their Polish rivals 5-0.
“I feel good and that I’m learning and developing everyday. I’m not getting younger anymore but there are several new players who are showing good potential and we have a pretty decent side.
“We’ve got a good mixture of young and matured players. As for me, I’ve been making it to the semi-finals and finals of most tournaments so I’m hoping to do my best at this year’s Thomas Cup as well.
"On our day, I feel we have the capabilities to beat anyone.”
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 9:59 AM.
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