Thais win epic to book semi-final
HOSTS THAILAND clawed back from 2-1 behind to beat arch-rivals Indonesia 3-2 to reach the Uber Cup semi-finals for only the second time at the Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani yesterday.
The Thai team, whose best run in the tournament was a semi-final spot in 2012, fought back from two defeats in the doubles and singles rubbers to win the second doubles and third singles in front of 2,000 cheering fans at the arena.
World No 4 Ratchanok Intanon got Thailand off to a great start, using her superior all-court game to tame the 39th-ranked Fitriani Fitriani 39 21-8 21-7 in just 33 minutes.
Ratchanok Intanon
“Seeing so many fans coming out to support us really helped ease the pressure. Being drawn against Indonesia wasn't what we wanted so we had no choice but to fight hard,” she said.
Indonesia hit back in the first women’s doubles match as world No 6 Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu cemented their supremacy over world No 8 Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai 21-18 21-16 for a fourth straight win over the Thais.
Former world junior champion Gregoria Mariska Tunjung boosted Indonesia to 2-1 when she upset world No 11 Nitchaon Jindapol 21-10 22-20. It was sweet revenge for the 18-year-old, who lost in straight games to Nitchaon in January’s Thailand Masters.
Sapsiree and Puttita
However, Puttita Supajirakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai produced a spectacular performance to upset world No 11 Della Destiara Haris and Rizki Amelia Pradipta 22-20 21-12 and keep Thai hopes alive at 2-2.
Busanan Ongbamrungphan turned team heroine when she won the decisive rubber against the Ruselli Hartawan 21-9 21- 12.
“I’m so overwhelmed to win this crucial point for Thailand. There was so much pressure out there but I tried really hard to focus,” said Busanan.
"Once in a life time I got to play the Uber Cup in my home country, I feel really proud," added Busanan.
Thailand will play defending champs China, who beat Denmark 3-1. “It will be tough against China but there’s nothing to lose,” said Busanan.
Ratchanok said: "I'm looking forward to play Chinese No 1 Chen Yufei and wish to have a revenge." Ratchanon carries a poor 0-4 record with the Chinese.
Elsewhere, third seeds South Korea beat Canada 3-1 and will play top seeds Japan who beat Taiwan (3-1).
