Chinese women beat Denmark

Defending champion Indonesia ended star-studded Denmark’s hopes of becoming the first European team to claim the Thomas Cup men’s title, edging them out 3-2 in a thrilling second semifinal.

World champion Peter Gade Christensen downed No 2 seed Hendrawan 12-15 17-16 15-11 to give the recently-crowned European champions a good start but teenage sensation Taufiq Hidayat upset Olympic champion Poul-Erick Hoyer-Larsen 15-11 15-9 to restore parity.

Indonesia went ahead when the scratch pair of Tonygunawan and Rexy Mainaky beat the experienced combination of Martin Lundgaard and Lars Paaske 15-8 15-17 16-17 but it was then Denmark’s turn to restore parity and they made it 2-2 when Jesper Larsen and Jens Eriksen defeated Chandra Wijaya-Sigit Budiarto 8-15 17-15 17-16.

But Marleve Mainaky, brother of doubles ace Rexy, clinched the issue by defeating Kenneth Larsen in two close games 15-14 15-13 in the decider to put Indonesia in the final against strong contenders China.

Results

Men’s singles (semifinal): Indonesia bt Denmark 3-2 (Hendrawan lost to Peter Gade Christensen 15-12 16-17 11-15; Tony Gunawan/Rexy Mainaky bt Martin Lundgaard Hansen/Lars Paaske 15-7 15-3; Taufik Hidayat bt Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen 15-11 15-9; Candra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto lost to Jesper Larsen/Jens Eriksen 15-8 15-17 16-17; Marleve Mainaky bt Kenneth Larsen 15-14 15-13).