China annexed the Suhandinata Cup for a record-extending 15th time, thwarting a spirited fightback by defending champions Indonesia to regain the title they had lost in last year’s final.
Having executed their tactics to near-perfection in the opening set, in which they outplayed Indonesia with long spells of risk-averse and error-free play, the Chinese were pushed harder in the second. Still, every time the baton was handed to the next player or pair, the Chinese had built a lead, and by the end of the women’s singles in the third match, Liu Si Ya had put the Chinese 27-23 ahead.
China celebrate after the last point was won
Indonesia’s ace in the pack was Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah, and while he delighted with his variety and choice of shotmaking, the finishing touch betrayed him. Ubaidillah controlled the rallies against Liu Yang Ming Yu but couldn’t outpoint him, and the final men’s doubles started with China having a four-point lead at 36-32. It was, in a sense, the story of the final, with China refusing to fall into the trap of rushing things in the search for quick points, and playing steady rather than give in to adventurism.
Things went well for Chen Jun Ting/Liu Jun Rong in the beginning of the last match, but they suddenly started to get nervy with the end in sight. Their opponents, Muhammad Rizki Mubarrok and Raihan Daffa Edsel Pramono, charged right back and 44-43, had set point. Yet again the Chinese showed how little leeway they would give under pressure, and Indonesia were left to contemplate the missed set point. China had the title at 45-30 45-44.
Mubarrok and Pramono were a point away from levelling the tie
China’s singles coach Chen Long was pleased with his team’s efficiency, while complimenting Indonesia too: “After 14 years, I came back to India again, and I have changed my role from player to coach. So I’m excited to win the championship, and I also want to thank Indonesia, they played so well. Both teams played a very good final for the Suhandinata Cup. It’s very significant that we could win this trophy.
“The most exciting part was at 44-44 in the second set. We won the tie, and that was according to our expectations.”
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