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Japan
downs Malaysia to claim maiden badminton Thomas Cup
-DR. ABDUL RUFF COLACHAL
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Japan came
up with a real thriller to claim its maiden title in badminton in New Delhi,
defeating the much better Malaysia team.
The final
game was a neck-and-neck affair and Ueda soaked in tremendous pressure before
emerging victorious. Takuma Ueda prevailed in a thrilling decider as Japan
claimed their maiden Thomas Cup title by edging out five-time champions
Malaysia 3-2 in a pulsating final of the men's team event on 25th
May Sunday. Kenichi Hayakawa and Hiroyuki Endo eked out a 12-21 21-17 21-19
victory over Tan Boon Heong and Hoon Thien How in 76 minutes to level before
Kento Momota downed Chong Wei Feng 21-15 21-17 to put Japan ahead.
World
number one Lee Chong-Wei salvaged personal pride by beating Kenichi Tago 21-12
21-16 in the first singles but the contest eventually boiled down to the fifth
match and Ueda held his nerve to help Japan taste success in their maiden final
appearance at the biennial tournament.
After waging a grim
battle for one hour and 18 minutes, Liew dropped his racket in dismay when his
smash sailed wide, dashing Malaysia's hopes of winning their first Thomas Cup
title since 1992. Across the net, a jubilant Ueda collapsed on the court before
getting up to join his dancing team mates who had formed a ring around him.
Lee, who said
reaching the final was a "bonus" for Malaysia, put his team ahead but
Japan won the next two contests to snatch the lead.
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