Thomas Cup 2024: Indonesia sets up finale date with hosts China in repeat of 2020 summit clash

Both teams are two of the most successful in Thomas Cup history.

The stage is set for a blockbuster Thomas Cup 2024 final between badminton powerhouses Indonesia and China after the two giants booked their spots on Saturday.

In the first semi-final, Indonesia displayed their renowned team depth to cruise past a valiant Chinese Taipei 3-0. The tie was as good as over after World no 7 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting outmaneuvered Chou Tien Chen 21-18, 22-20 in a hard-fought opening singles rubber.

Reigning Olympic champions Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin briefly kept Chinese Taipei’s hopes alive by taking the opening game against Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto. However, the Indonesian duo rallied impressively to prevail 19-21, 21-17, 21-18, and give their side a 2-0 lead.

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With the semi-final tie sewn up, world no 3 Jonatan Christie sealed Indonesia’s 22nd Thomas Cup final appearance with a clinical 21-11, 21-16 victory over Wang Tzu Wei.

In the other semi-final, hosts China were given a sterner test by a spirited Malaysian team playing their first semifinal in eight years. World no 2 Shi Yuqi handed China the perfect start by dismantling Lee Zii Jia 21-19, 21-5.

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However, the plucky Malaysians drew level through world no #5 pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik’s stunning 15-21, 21-12, 21-17 win over world no #1 Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang.

China regained the lead as Hangzhou Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng outclassed Leong Jun Hao 21-17, 21-10 in the second singles. The decisive moment came in the second doubles as world no #11 He Jiting and Ren Xiang Yu rallied from a game down to edge out Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani 18-21, 21-19, 21-18 and seal China’s 3-1 victory.

Sunday’s final will be a repeat of the 2020 edition won by Indonesia. China, powered by home support and a star-studded line-up, will be favourites but face a Herculean task against the incredible team depth and big-match temperament of 14-time champions Indonesia.

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