An old rivalry produced some well-contested moments, with Indonesia shutting out traditional rivals Malaysia to make the quarterfinals of the BWF World Junior Championships 2022.
Defending champions Indonesia recovered from an early deficit to beat Malaysia 4-1, thus topping Group A to earn a last-eight showdown against China, the team they had beaten in the last edition’s final.
There was plenty of good-natured banter between the Malaysians and Indonesians in the stands, which added to the stakes of the must-win tie.
The Indonesians got plenty of support.
Justin Hoh gave Malaysia the lead beating Alwi Farhan in straight games. When Siti Nurshuhaini took the second game over Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, Malaysia might have sensed an upset on the cards, but Wardoyo found her length in the third game and came away with a broad smile having helped her team draw level.
“I went blank in the second game,” said Wardoyo. “I did feel a bit of the rivalry between the two teams. I’m happy I made it 1-1 after we were down. I’m happy with the way I played; winning today was special and important for Indonesia.”
Malaysia had a setback in men’s doubles, with Choi Jian Sheng/Bryan Jeremy Goonting falling apart in just 23 minutes, setting the stage for Indonesia’s women’s doubles duo Meilysa Trias Puspita Sari/Rachel Allessya Rose to clinch the tie.
China’s Liu Sheng Shu and Wang Ting Ge after their comfortable win over Australia.
“We’re satisfied with our performance, it was an important point and we now go through to the quarterfinals,” said Rose. “Although we lost the first match, we just had to focus on our own department. Our target is to defend our title, but we don’t want to think too far ahead. Our team is strong and we are confident in the team. Beating Malaysia was important to boost our confidence as tomorrow we play China.”
Highlights
♦ China topped Group B winning 40 games and losing none in their 20 matches of the five-team group. China’s quarterfinal against Indonesia will be a virtual ‘final before the final’, with both teams strong contenders for the title.
♦ Korea, who came through tough Group E unscathed, take on Spain, who topped Group F with an all-win record. The important result for Spain was their 3-2 win over Hong Kong China on Wednesday.
♦ Japan, winners of Group H, take on Group G winners USA. England, who emerged from Group D, will be up against Group C winners Chinese Taipei.
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