Jakarta –
Jonatan Christie have to endure the tight resistance of Li Shi Feng in the final Thomas Cup. Jojo had a hard time in the second set, but got up in the deciding set!
Indonesia lock Thomas Cup after defeating China in the final at Ceres Arena, Aarhus, Denmark, Sunday (17/10) night WIB. The Red and White Team swept clean with a score of 3-0.
Anthony Ginting, Fajar/Rian, and Jonatan Christie were able to subvert their opponents. However, Jonathan Christie, had to play three sets because of Li Shi Feng’s strong resistance.
Both Anthony Ginting and Fajar/Rian both won in straight sets. Jonatan Christie actually started the match against Li Shi Feng well in the first set, in fact had a long lead 6-0 and closed the first set with a score of 21-14.
In the second set, the surprise happened. It was Li’s turn, who mercilessly led far to make Jojo 3-11 behind.
“The first set I played very well, because I saw Li was nervous,” said Jojo in an interview with Badminton Europe.
“But in the second set, I was a bit slow in response at the start so Li could have a long lead,” he added.
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Jonathan Christie faces tough resistance from Li (AP/Claus Fisker)– |
The second set closed with Li Shi Feng’s victory 21-18. Just in the rubber game, Jonatan Christie can refocus.
PP PBSI’s assistant men’s singles coach, Irwansyah, has also provided input several times. One thing Jojo has to watch out for is Li’s powerful smash.
“He has a good smash. Focus, Jo,” he explained.
In the third set, Jonatan Christie immediately hot. Jojo was able to minimize mistakes and atone for his ‘sins’ in the second set.
“Okay, I lost the second set, but before the third set I was ready to play for 100 minutes (like in the semifinal against Denmark-red). I’m more confident,” he explained.
Finally Jojo closed the third set with a 21-14 victory. After that, Thomas Cup it’s coming home to Indonesia after being away for 19 years.
(aff/rin)
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