Indonesia on Sunday night beat reigning champion China 3-0 to win a record-extending 14th Thomas Cup title at the Ceres Arena in Aarhus, Denmark.
In the first party, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting got Indonesia off to a bright start with a 18-21, 21-14, 21-16 victory over Lu Guangzu.
“Honestly, I was a little nervous in the first game. I tried to enjoy the match, the game and every point and try to work hard and make no mistakes,” Ginting said.
“I was preparing to play both Shi Yu Qi and Guang Zu last night, because we didn’t know if Yu Qi would play today (following an injury). I really thank God for being able to get out of pressure and play well today,” he added.
In the second party, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto sealed the deal in straight games as they thumped He Jiting and Zhou Haodong 21-12, 21-19 in the first doubles match.
Jonatan Christie delivered the final blow in the third party, recovering from a second game slip to edge Li Shifeng 21-14, 18-21, 21-14.
Vittinghus, who helped Denmark beat Indonesia in the 2016 Thomas Cup final congratulated the Red & White team while cheering them on for the final match.
“A tough day, but Indonesia is the better team. Everyone on our team gave their all, no one is to blame, but we really hope for more this week. Good luck with the final for Indonesia and thanks for all the love,” Vittinghus said.
Indonesia leads overall titles with thirteen. They won four consecutive titles from 1970 to 1979 and five consecutive titles from 1994 to 2002. Indonesia’s ten-year reign as champion ended with the resurgence of China in 2004 when the Chinese won the title in Jakarta.
Indonesia have played in the deciding final (men’s team match) nineteen times. Since the Thomas Cup format was overhauled in 1984, it has only managed to make a top four spot once, in 2012.
