Waiting for the Blessings of the "Underdog" Uber Indonesia Team in the Top Party

The non-seeded status of the Indonesian women's team could be an advantage in disguise when facing hosts China.

ANTARA/GALIH PRADIPTA

The Indonesian women's badminton team celebrated their victory after defeating South Korea 3-2 in the semifinals of the 2024 Uber Cup at Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium in Chengdu, China on Saturday, May 4th, 2024. Indonesia advances to the final and will face China.

CHENGDU, SATURDAY — The Indonesian women's badminton team has once again proven that "dark horse" status can be profitable in the Uber Cup. Currently, they are just one step away from re-weaving the triumphant story of the unseeded team that was created by Susy Susanti and colleagues in 1994. The giant Chinese team is waiting for them in the final.

Indonesia's third singles smash, Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi, ended the resistance of South Korea's representative, Kim Min-sun, 17-21, 21-16, 21 -19, at Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, China, Saturday (4/5/2024). Indonesia, which appeared in the semifinals for the first time in the last 14 years, successfully defeated defending champion South Korea, 3-2.

The sole absence of South Korea's mainstay, An Se-young, is indeed beneficial for Indonesia. However, the victory still came from the inspiration of the "Red and White" players, especially the three singles who appeared spartan and contributed to the victory, namely Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, and Komang.

Also read: Eliminating Defending Champion South Korea, Indonesian Women's Team to Uber Cup Final After 2008

"Their (An's) mainstay did not come down. That should be utilized by Gregoria, without fail. From there (after winning the first match), there is hope. Apparently, in singles, we can bear the burden and finish it well. This is evidence that they can do it after being seen as pessimistic for so long," said Indonesian Team Manager Ricky Soebagdja.

Indonesia will challenge the host team, China, in the final match on Sunday morning. Gregoria and her teammates will bring back the "dark horse" status in the match. As we know, China is reinforced by players who dominate the world single and double women's sectors. China has also been the champion of the Uber Cup 15 times.

ANTARA/GALIH PRADIPTA

The Indonesian women's badminton team bore the Red and White flag when celebrating their victory over South Korea in the semifinals of the 2024 Uber Cup at the Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, Chengdu, China, on Saturday (4/5/2024). The Indonesian women's team advanced to the final after defeating South Korea 3-2 and will meet with China.

The difference in level is reflected in the meeting records of the players of the two teams. Only Komang is ahead in head to head, over Han Yue, 1-0. Three other representatives were quite far behind, including Indonesia's spearhead, Gregoria, who lost more than Chen Yu Fei, 3-9. As for Ester and He Bing Jiao, they have never met.

However, Indonesian players do not need to feel inferior. "Dark horse" teams often have an advantage in team championships like this. They can fight without any pressure, unlike the top teams. The story of "David and Goliath" has already been created in 1994 when Indonesia won their second Uber Cup after a 19-year wait.

The year 1994 was similar to now. I was in the top ranking like Jorji (Gregoria). The doubles match was also similar to Apri/Fadia's ranking. At that time, Mia (Audina) was not favored like Ester and Komang. On paper, we were defeated, but in the end, we emerged as the winner.

Susy still remembers that beautiful memory. According to her, China, who was the five-time consecutive defending champion at the time, was more favored even though Indonesia was the host. As the first single representative from Indonesia, she was also filled with doubt because she had lost to Ye Zhaoying in the 1993 Indonesia Open.

Also read: Indonesian Thomas and Uber Cup Teams Qualify Together for the Semifinals

"The year 1994 was similar to now. I was ranked at the top like Jorji (Gregoria). The first doubles were also similar to Apri/Fadia (Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti) in terms of ranking. At that time, Mia (Audina) was not favored like Ester and Komang. On paper, we were the underdogs, but in the end, we came out as the winners," said Susy.

Indonesia won two matches against China earlier, but then was countered in the following two matches. With the score tied at 2-2, Mia, who is not yet 15 years old, became the determinant of the team's victory. The difference in the upcoming final is that China is the host. This support can either help or add to the burden.

KOMPAS/JULIAN SIHOMBING

Susy Susanti opened Indonesia's victory when facing off against China's player, Ye Zhaoying, in the opening match of the Uber Cup final at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (20/5/1994). Susy won 11-4, 12-10.

"We have proven that we can fight against South Korea. Tomorrow, let the rankings remain as they are. On the field, the game will be different. What's important is to focus, concentrate, carry out our respective tasks, and give each other encouragement. The result (of the semifinal) was good, now there's an even better opportunity. So just play freely," said Susy.

Gregoria will again lead Indonesia in the final match. According to Susy, the first player always has a multiplied burden to win. Positive results in the opening match can ease the pressure on other players. This has been proven since the group stage when Gregoria defeated Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) and Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand).

Also read: Beating Thailand, Indonesian Uber Cup Team Qualifies for Semifinals After 14 Years

Gregoria did lose in the last two meetings against Chen in 2024, at the Malaysian Open and the Asian Championship. Nevertheless, once again, this is a team tournament. Results in individual tournaments can be the opposite. Moreover, Gregoria has four previous experiences participating in the previous editions of the Uber Cup.

The captain of the Indonesian women's team, Apriyani, said that Gregoria has more than enough capacity to become the spearhead of the team. "She often provides the right input for the women's singles. Together with this team, we have the same vision and mission. We want to prove that we can do it. Win together, lose together," explained Apriyani.

Indonesia and China have faced each other 12 times in the Uber Cup. China is much more dominant with a record of 10-2. Meanwhile, Indonesia's two victories were achieved in the 1994 and 1996 finals. Meanwhile, the "Land of the Bamboo Curtain" team won the last seven meetings, including the latest in 2022 in Bangkok with a decisive score of 3-0.

ANTARA/GALIH PRADIPTA

The Indonesian women's badminton team celebrated their victory after defeating South Korea in the semi-finals of the 2024 Uber Cup at the Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium in Chengdu, China on Saturday (May 4, 2024).

Badminton player from the 90s, Yuni Kartika, believes that the achievement in Chengdu is not just about the Uber Cup. It is also a turning point for Indonesia's women's singles, a number that has always been doubted so far. The successors awaited by Gregoria finally appeared. Ester (18) and Komang (21) were able to fulfill their responsibilities very well.

"It's not easy to become a decisive player in the Uber Cup. Especially since our second and third singles players are still young. Team tournaments like this can be a stepping stone. There are players who actually gain momentum in team matches. This result signifies an improvement in the quality of women's singles. Their game is on point," said Yuni.