Indonesia and Japan won the men’s and women’s team competitions respectively at the E-Plus Badminton Asia Team Championships 2018 in Alor Setar yesterday, with China finishing runners-up in both events.
Indonesia beat China 3-1 in the men’s team final after Japan had blanked China 3-0 in the women’s team title clash.
Jonatan Christie gave Indonesia the vital lead, beating Shi Yuqi 16-21 21-17 21-18 in a 72-minute match.
The new combination of Mohammad Ahsan/Angga Pratama delivered for Indonesia, as they saw off the challenge from Chinese youngsters He Jiting/Tan Qiang 21-19 21-18.
China fought their way back through Qiao Bin, who prevailed over Anthony Ginting in another 72-minute match, 21-12 11-21 21-14.
Indonesia’s experience made the difference in the second Men’s Doubles, as Rian Agung Saputra/Hendra Setiawan stopped Han Chengkai/Zhou Haodong 21-14 21-19 to claim the title for Indonesia.
Earlier, Japan blanked China 3-0 in the women’s team final.
Akane Yamaguchi gave Japan the start they needed, holding off Chen Yufei 21-16 12-21 21-14 in the opening Women’s Singles.
Experienced duo Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi were too strong for young Chinese pair Du Yue/Li Yinhui as they stormed to a 21-13 21-16 victory.
World champion Nozomi Okuhara then wrapped up the tie for Japan beating He Bingjiao 19-21 21-16 21-10.
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