China repeats Thomas Cup title win over Indonesia after 38 years
On Sunday, China’s Thomas Cup title conquest broke a six-year drought, but beating Indonesia again came 38 years in the making.
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CHINA’S THOMAS CUP TITLE OVER INDONESIA FIRST IN 38 YEARS
China clenched its Thomas Cup title third by winning for the first time since 2018 with a 3-1 conquest of Indonesia in Chengdu.
But what made it sweet was China beating Indonesia in both Thomas and Uber Cups for the first time since 1986 in Jakarta.
The hosts did it this time before their cheering home fans at the Hi-Tech Sports Centre Gymnasium Court 1.
World No.2 Shi Yu Qi led the way with a 21-17, 21-6 win over World No.7 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting.
China made it 2-0 after Liang Wei Keng and Wang Cang beat Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, 21-18, 17-21, 21-17.
CHINA’S DOUBLES PAIR NEGATES CHRISTIE WIN TO CLINCH TITLE
World No.3 Jonatan Christie prevented a China sweep after he pulled off a 21-16, 15-21 21-17 triumph over world No.6 Li Shifeng.
However, World No.11 He Jiting and Ren Xiangyu drew inspiration from the home crowd to finish World No.9 Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana, 21-11, 21-15.
“I have a lot of responsibility and pressure as captain, but fortunately I made a good start,” Shi said of his 43-minute victory.
The last time China’s men’s team won the Thomas Cup title, they did it in Bangkok, Thailand.
Winning before their home fans and both Thomas and Uber Cups over Indonesia after 38 years made it more special.
LIN DAN, TAUFIK HIDAYAT IN ATTENDANCE IN CHENGDU
The matchup had some flavor of nostalgia, as Chinese badminton legend “Super Dan” Lin Dan cheered for the hosts, while his Indonesian counterpart Taufik Hidayat was also in attendance.
It was China’s 11th Thomas Cup title, which trailed Indonesia’s 14.
Shi may have summed China’s winning formula moments even before the hosts completed its title run.
“Success in sports is a prolonged process, and results come as a culmination of that journey,” the world No.2 said.
“While winning is undoubtedly a strong desire, without a proper system, success remains elusive,” he added.
