Indonesia retain Cup

HONG KONG, May 24: Indonesia clinched their 11th Thomas Cup title when doubles pair Candra Wijaya and Budiarto Sigit gave them an unbeatable 3-1 lead over Malaysia in the final here today. Wijaya and Sigit defeated counterparts Lee Wan Wah and Choong Tan Fook 15-11 15-12 to give Indonesia outright victory with only the final singles rubber of the five match final remaining.

Indonesia had looked in trouble after Ong Ewe Hock beat the fancied Heryanto Arbi 18-14 15-7 in the opening clash. Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky then beat Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock 15-3 18-15 to level the tie and Hendrawan beat Malaysia’s Yong Hock Kin 18-14 10-15 15-5 to give Indonesia the upper hand.

Results (all finals): Indonesia 3 bt Malaysia 1 (Ong Ewe Hock (Mas) bt Haryanto Arbi (Ina) 18-14-15-7; Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky (Ina) bt Cheah Soon Kit/ Yap Kim Hock (Mas) 15-3 18-15; Handrawan (Ina) bt Yong Hock Kin (Mas) 18-14 10-15 15-5; Candra Wijaya/ Budiarto Sigit (Ina) bt Lee Wan Wah/ Choong Tan Fook 15-10 15-12)