Kuala Lumpur: Thailand needed only a 2-2 draw to edge past Indonesia at the Axiata Cup final on Sunday and to pocket prize money of USD400, 000 (RM1.2 million).
Both teams were tied at 2-2 for matches won and 4-4 on games won at the end of the tie. Based on the Axiata Cup tournament format, if the overall score is tied at 2-2, team that wins more points will win the cup. After all the scores were tallied, Thailand defeated Indonesia by a mere two points, 140-138.
Thailand’s men’s singles Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk put up a brilliant show in the men’s singles match to defeat world number 5 Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia – who was playing for Puchong United BC in Purple League at 10am on the same day, with straight sets of 22-20, 21-13.
Riding on Tanongsak’s victory momentum, world number 7 Ratchanok Intanon dominated Hana Ramadhini in women singles to claim the match 21-9, 21-12 in 37 minutes, gave the Thais an overall 2-0 lead and a step closer to the title.
In the men’s doubles, Indonesia’s 2008 Olympics gold medalist pair of Hendra Setiawan and Markis Kido proved to be a class of their own. The young Thai duo of Wannawat Ampunsuwan and Patiphat Chalardclaeam lost 16-21, 12-21. The score now stood at Thailand 2 Indonesia 1.
Indonesians mixed doubles pair Riky Widianto-Richi Puspita Dili kept their composure to pull off victory against Maneepong Jongjit and Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21-17, 21-10. Even though the tie ended in a draw but the Thais knew the Axiata Cup was theirs for the first time as they led by a two points in the final countdown.
