KUNSHAN, May 21 — Denmark are just one step away from bringing the prestigious Thomas Cup to Europe for the very first time.

First they have to overcome Indonesia in the final tomorrow.

After facing disappointments in eight attempts before this, Denmark are now presented with a golden opportunity to end Asia’s domination in the top of the class team badminton tournament.

Overcoming Malaysia 3-2 in the semifinals yesterday has boosted the spirits of the “Great Danes” to pull off an upset against 13 times champions Indonesia tomorrow.

In the history of the biennial tournament, the Thomas Cup has never left Asia.

Indonesia won it 13 times followed by China (nine), Malaysia (five) and once by Japan in the last edition in 2014.

On paper, both teams are evenly matched with the singles and doubles players ranked second to 35 in the world.

Indonesia defeated South Korea 3-1 in the semis yesterday.

Indonesia’s singles shuttlers comprise World No. 8 Tommy Sugiarto, Jonatan Christie (19), Anthony Ginting (23) and Ihsan Maulana Mustofa (35).

As for the doubles, Indonesia are expected to field World No. 2 Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan, and Angga Pratama/Ricky Karanda Suwardi (12).

Indonesia’s reserve doubles pair Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo are ranked World No. 13.

Denmark have World No. 4 Viktor Axelsen, Jan O Jorgensen (5), Hans Kristian-Vittinghus (13) and Emil Holst (47) while their doubles pairs are Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen (8), Mads Conrad- Petersen/Mads Pieler Kolding (9) and Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen (23).

Badminton Association of Indonesia High Performance Director Rexy Mainaky before this had said that his squad were ready to “take on anyone in the final”.

He said reaching the final was nothing to celebrate about but it was lifting the trophy that mattered. — Bernama