THOMAS CUP 2014 SF – Malaysia Boleh!

Malaysia might finally break their twenty-two year wait and lift the prestigious Thomas Cup trophy as they outplayed their neighbours, Indonesia, three to nothing in a terrific ambience.

By Tarek Hafi.  Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

Malaysia joins Japan in the final

A twenty-two year wait might finally come to an end for Malaysia after the 1992 Thomas Cup champions scored a very convincing win over 13-time winners Indonesia, getting the three points they needed in the first three matches to rush through the final.

It all started with the Malaysian superstar and world number one Lee Chong Wei taking on the ever-improving Tommy Sugiarto and despite a proper beginning from the Indonesian, Tommy Sugiarto quickly fell into the trap of the almost invincible Malaysian jewel.  The two-time Olympic silver medallist disposed of his opponent in straight games to get a first point for his country, 21-19, 21-13.

A few minutes after it was the current World Champions Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan facing the Malaysian pairing of Tan Boon Heong and Hoon Thien How and, taking everyone by surprise, the 2004 World Junior Champions prevailed in a very tense encounter that went the full distance.

In a crazy atmosphere, the two Malaysians fought hard with their nerves to beat the current best pair in the world, taking the first game with a slight margin and being completely bested in the second.

It went right down to the wire and looked as if Tan Boon Heong had just thrown the match away when he served into the net to gift a match point to the Indonesians.  A few seconds later, it looked to be completely finished when Hoon popped the shuttle up at the net but Tan reached between his legs to return Ahsan’s would-be match-winning net kill and the Indonesian finally sent his attack of a third straight loose net shot well wide of the court to kep the Malaysian pair in it and Hoon and Tan held on to win the decider 23-21.

It was now time to get the singles back again, giving Indonesia a last chance to come back into the tie if they wished to qualify for the finals on Sunday.  A hope quickly destroyed by Chong Wei Feng who remained undefeated on the week after completely dominating his opponent Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka in a perfectly played match.

The twenty-six year-old Kedah native, rushed towards the victory giving absolutely no chance for his opponent to come back level.  Two games later, and the tie was sealed, allowing Malaysia to join Japan for a first final of its kind on Sunday.

Thomas Cup final line-up:

Japan vs. Malaysia

Click here for complete semi-final results