ASIAN GAMES 2018 Team SF – Japan’s women’s stay strong

Despite losing their first precious point, the Japanese women’s team advanced to the final confidently while China’s ladies managed to avenge their Uber Cup loss to Thailand.

Story: Naomi Indartiningrum, Badzine Correspondent live in Jakarta
Photos: Raphael Sachetat  / Badmintonphoto (live)

Although they had a chance to make a surprise move to the finals, the Indonesian women’s team was unable to defeat the Japanese women’s team in the 2018 Asian Games semi-final.

The Indonesian team opened the scoring first, as their 19-year-old top women’s singles player, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung followed up her Monday win over former world #2 Sung Ji Hyun by actually beating  the current world #2, Akane Yamaguchi. Tunjung was far behind, 2-8 in the deciding game but with a great strategy, the world #22 was able to snatch the 11-10 lead to force the third game interval end change.

After changing ends, the two continued their duel, moving to a 17-17 draw but after struggling hard, Tunjung successfully won the third game 21-18.

“I’m so grateful to be able to play here without a target because it is the first time we meet. I just tried to play without burden because my opponent has more experience than me,” said the reigning World Junior Champion.

“I was not bad at the net, but it did not lead to points. Sometimes I could smash and break down her game but the shuttles did not fly as I had hoped. I just want to make sure I will contribute tomorrow,” said Yamaguchi.

Despite Yamaguchi’s loss, her world #1 team-mates Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota managed to win, as did Nozomi Okuhara (pictured top, with opponent Fitriani), and reverse the situation to 2-1.

As the last representatives, Misaki Matsumoto and Ayaka Takahashi (pictured) did not waste the chance and finally booked a final meeting with the Chinese team for  Wednesday. The Olympic gold medallists beat Della Destiara Haris / Rizki Amelia Pradipta 21-13, 21-10.

No repeat upset for Thailand

In the other semi-final, the Chinese team did not have significant difficulties against the Thai Team, unlike the previous meeting in the 2018 Uber Cup.  At that time, the Chinese team failed to step into the final after being beaten by, Thailand 3-2, on the strength of the home team’s singles stars.

This time, the victory of the Chinese team was opened by Chen Yufei who successfully fended off resistance from Ratchanok Intanon, 21-14, 17-21, 21-17.

Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan once again struggled but were able to overcome opponents Jongkolphan Kititharakul / Rawinda Prajongjai (pictured) in the end.  Chen / Jia snatched the win of 22-20 in the first game before being forced to a decider by their opponents after losing 21-16 in the second game. The Chinese duo sealed the victory 21-14 in the deciding game.

He Bingjiao (pictured below), who had not featured in China’s squad in the Uber Cup semi-final loss, fought past Nitchaon Jindapol 21-17, 21-12.

“If competing in a team number like this, personal interests must be demoted in the interests of the team. I hope tomorrow I can give the best for the team,” He said.

With this achievement, the Chinese women’s team managed to get revenge on Team Thailand and are still looking forward to winning the women’s team gold medal, which they have done at five straight Asiads.  Japan, meanwhile, is looking for its first gold in the team event since 1970.

Click here for complete semi-final results