KUNSHAN, May 22 — The most prestigious cup in badminton team events, the Thomas Cup, will leave the Asian continent and move to Europe following Denmark creating history by becoming champions today.
Denmark demolished Indonesia’s hopes of bringing home the Thomas Cup after a 14-year wait after that edged the Asian badminton powerhouse 3-2 in the final at the Kunshan Sports Centre here.
This is the first time Denmark have won the prestigious trophy after nine times entering the final.
The Thomas Cup has never been won by a European country since it was introduced in 1949.
Hans Kristian-Vittinghus became a hero when he sealed Denmark’s victory by defeating Ihsan Maulana Mustofa 21-15, 21-7 in the decider.
The 30-year-old right-handed player said he had prepared very well to face the crucial situation if the final battle stretched into the decider game.
“I was quite nervous in the beginning but I am very happy that I handled it very well. I’ve been preparing and dreaming for this moment.
“To bring back home the Thomas Cup for the first time to Denmark, it is very hard to describe what I feel right now. But I am extremely happy with what I did for the team today,” he said.
World ranked number four, Viktor Axelsen set the path for the win when he thrashed his opponent Tommy Sugiarto 21-17, 21-18 in the opening match to put Denmark ahead.
The 22-year-old shuttler also noted that the thunderous support from China’s badminton fans at the Kunshan Sports Centre spurred the players on.
The Danes’ first doubles Mads Conrad-Petersen/Mads Pieler Kolding lost to Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan 18-21, 13-21 bringing the tie to 1-1.
Their second singles Jan O Jorgensen, who had been rested during the semi-final match against Malaysia, brushed aside Anthony Ginting 21-17, 21-12 to put Denmark back on a 2-1 lead.
“I am very happy to succeed and give my country a point in the final. I didn’t play in the semifinals against Malaysia as I kept losing, to Hsu Jen Hao (Taiwan) and Takume Ueda (Japan).
“I think I have more experience than Ginting. I did not think much on winning so that I could control the game very well,” said the world ranked fifth shuttler.
Denmark failed in their attempt to conclude the winning point when their second doubles Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen were swept aside by Angga Pratama/Ricky Karanda Suwardi 16-21, 14-21, causing the tie to be decided by the last singles. — Bernama
