Playing to an excited home crowd in the Siri Fort Complex, the Indian women’s team defeated Indonesia by 3-0. The confident YONEX player Saina Nehwal defeated Lindaweni Fanetri (NR-ZSP) with a score of 21-17 21-10. Using her new YONEX NANORAY 900, Saina played an impressive match with the help of her racquet commenting, “It delivers an extremely strong smash, coming down solidly. I love it, and can use it with confidence”.
YONEX player Lee Chong Wei (VTZF2, SHB01LTD) played against 2014 European Champion Jan O Jorgensen. Chong Wei lost in a tough first game by 22-20. However, things changed in the second game, with Chong Wei opening with a 6-0 lead, and becoming an unstoppable force. His power, speed and technique dominated the court in the remaining two games, not allowing his opponent to tie or overtake him. The final score was 20-22 21-14 21-17. Chong Wei Feng (VTZF), Tan Wee Kiong (VTZF) and Goh V Shem (ARC11,SHB87LTD) won each of their matches, grabbing victory over Denmark by 3-1.
The Japanese men’s team had a tough start against France after a loss by Kenichi Tago to Brice Leverdez. But Japan managed to turn it around, winning three matches in a row. Between the efforts of Takuma Ueda and Sho Sasaki in singles, and Keigo Sonoda and Takeshi Kamura in doubles, Japan grasped three victories, taking them to the semifinal.
On the women’s side, Japan faced off against Denmark and defeated them 3-0. The first match between Minatsu Mitani and Line Kjaersfeldt was very close, with Minatsu leading in the final game and taking the match point at 20-15. Line amazingly managed to catch up, clinching six points and winning the match point. Given the tense atmosphere, Minatsu played a stable game finishing the match with an overall team lead 1-0. The final score was 21-18 9-21 23-21. Ayaka Takahashi and Misaki Matsutomo defeated Kamilla Rytter Juhl (NR-ZSP) and Christinna Pedersen (NR800,SHB-01LX) by 21-13 21-12 in doubles, with Sayaka Takahashi defeating Anna Thea Madsen with 21-14 21-17 in singles.
In the Thomas Cup, Malaysia will face Indonesia, and Japan facing the defending champion, China. India and Japan will play for the final spot in the Uber Cup.
Tournament Results: Quarterfinals
Thomas Cup
China def. Thailand 3-0
Japan def. France 3-1
Malaysia def. Denmark 3-1
Indonesia def. Korea 3-2
Uber Cup
Korea def. Thailand 3-1
Japan def. Denmark 3-0
China def. England 3-0
India def. Indonesia 3-0