Top five upsets at Thomas and Uber Cup 2024

Published at :May 7, 2024 at 12:28 PM

Modified at :May 15, 2024 at 11:49 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Chou Tien-Chen is only the third player to win a Thomas Cup knockout match against Viktor Axelsen.

The Thomas and Uber Cup 2024 concluded with the China clinching the men’s and women’s crowns in Chengdu. In the Thomas Cup, the hosts defeated Indonesia—the most successful nation with 14 titles—to secure their 11th title at the world team championship.

In the Uber Cup 2024, China secured their 16th title, defeating Indonesia 3-0. However, during the tournament, badminton fans witnessed some unprecedented upsets.

In this article, we will shed light on the top five upsets at the Thomas and Uber Cup 2024.

Top upsets at Thomas and Uber Cup 2024

Jiri Kral beating Wang Tzu Wei

World #265 Jiří Král registered Czechia’s first win on their debut at the World Team Championship. Král pulled off the biggest upset of the championship.

Displaying a calm demeanour in a tight contest, Král outclassed world no. #23 Wang Tzu-Wei in the first game and took the lead. However, the Chinese Taipei shuttler bounced back and secured a one-sided win in the second game.

In the deciding game, Wang continued his aggressive play to start the tie. Nevertheless, the Czech shuttler held his nerves and clinched another tight contest, winning the match 24-22, 10-21, 21-19.

Chou Tien-chen beating Viktor Axelsen

Chou Tien-Chen stunned world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen in the Thomas Cup to help Chinese Taipei reach the semifinals and, in the process, confirm their first-ever medal in the tournament. Chou won the nail-biting contest 21-19, 14-21, 21-19. This loss came as a shock for Axelsen, who was eyeing a spot in the semifinals for his nation Denmark.

Interestingly, Chou Tien-Chen is only the third player to win a Thomas Cup knockout match against Viktor Axelsen.

Ashmita Chaliha beating Michelle Li

Ashmita Chaliha delivered an inspiring performance to upset the higher-ranked Michelle Li, with the world no. #52 Indian defeating the world no. #25 in a 42-minute match, 26-24, 24-22.

Ashmita, who recently underwent surgery, fought valiantly to clinch the biggest win of her career thus far. In the absence of top Indian women’s badminton players like PV Sindhu, she stepped up and led her team to victory against a gold and silver medalist from the 2014 and 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Peeratchai Sukhphun/Pakkapon Teeraratsakul beating Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto

World No. #7, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, suffered a shocking loss against the lower-ranked rivals Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul. However, this did not stop tournament favourites Indonesia from storming into the quarterfinals.

The world No. #52 Thai pair, Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul, defeated Indonesia’s top ranked doubles pair in a 52-minute match, 21-19, 14-21, 21-11. Nevertheless, Indonesia emerged as the winner over Thailand by 4-1 in the team championship.

Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo beat Supanida Katethong

Certainly, Ester was the underdog going up against the world No. #16, Supanida Katethong, in a women’s singles match. Indonesia was leading after winning their first two ties. However, the world number #38 lost the first game before making a remarkable comeback.

Against the world number #16, Ester overcame her exhaustion and went on to win consecutive games to secure a historic victory. The match lasted for 1 hour and 23 minutes, and each game was a fierce contest, but Ester didn’t quit until the last point.

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