Thomas Indonesia vs China Final: Fajar/Rian Lose in Small Details, Indonesia Behind 0-2

Fajar/Rian had to admit Liang/Wang's superiority in small details. Indonesia needs a miracle to win the Thomas Cup.

ANTARA /GALIH PRADIPTA

Indonesian men's badminton doubles Fajar Alfian (left) and Muhammad Rian Ardianto (right) are trying to return the shuttlecock towards their opponents, Chinese badminton players Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, in the 2024 Thomas Cup final at the Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, Chengdu, China, on Sunday (5/5/2024). Fajar/Rian lost 18-21, 21-17, 17-21.

CHENGDU, SUNDAY — Indonesia trailed host China 0-2 in the final of the Thomas Cup at the Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, China, Sunday (5/5/2024). Indonesia was increasingly pressed after the Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto doubles lost to China's representative, Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang, 18-21 , 21-17, 17-21.

Liang/Wang always lag behind at the beginning of the game, but they can come out as the winners at the end of the match. As the world's number one pair, they prove their mental strength and winning in small details. Fajar/Rian were less fortunate as they lost momentum in the third game.

Also read: Thomas Indonesia Vs China Final: Anthony Loses His Identity in the Opening Match

We are only focused on thinking about this match, not affected by the results of the first match.

The match was a high-level game of competition. Both pairs were equally quick, anticipating, reacting, and making decisions. Those who were less prepared even for a few milliseconds would lose points. After two games, the longest rally was only 19 strokes, indicating how fast-paced the game was.

Fajar/Rian have realized that they have to make a difference after Anthony Ginting's defeat to Shi Yu Qi. This was immediately shown from the beginning of the game. They came with a different spirit. Fajar, as the captain of the men's team, always livened up the atmosphere by shouting after getting a point. They quickly took the lead with 6-2.

ANTARA /GALIH PRADIPTA

Indonesian men's badminton doubles players Fajar Alfian (left) and Muhammad Rian Ardianto (right) received a yellow card from the referee while playing against Chinese badminton players Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in the 2024 Thomas Cup final at the Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium in Chengdu, China, on Sunday (5/5/2024). Fajar/Rian lost 18-21, 21-17, 17-21.

Liang/Wang began to find their best rhythm after falling behind during the 7-11 break. Their hits were more consistent and less erratic than before. Their gameplay formation had also been established. Wang set up attacks in front, while Liang became the "heavy hitter" behind them. They tied the score at 12-12.

A fierce battle ensued after the tie score. Both pairs chased each other until the score was 18-18. Wang's defensive action, blocking Rian's smash, gave the Chinese representative a one-point lead. Wang celebrated by raising his hand. The momentum turned after that. Liang/Wang won the first game 21-18.

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Fajar/Rian started well again in the second game. They took a 6-3 lead through points from the drive. Fajar showed quick decision making at the net. However, the Chinese doubles were able to turn things around through repeated long serves. Liang/Wang went ahead 11-10 at the break.

The coach of Indonesia's men's doubles badminton team, Aryono Miranat, instructed Rian to be more patient. Rian had to wait for the right opportunity to perform a smash. This was immediately put into practice after the break. Fajar/Rian regained their lead at 15-12. They appeared calmer and attacked at the right moment.

HUMAS PP PBSI

Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto failed to contribute to Indonesia's victory when it met Thailand in the Group C qualifier of the Thomas Cup championship. At the Hi Tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium in Chengdu, China, on Monday (29/4/2024), Fajar/Rian lost to Peeratchai Supkhun/Pakkapon Teeraratsakul with a score of 19-21, 21-14, 11-21.

In the midst of their superiority, Fajar was given a yellow card by the referee. He walked to the edge of the field to wipe his face with a towel even though it was not allowed. Fortunately, this small incident did not ruin the momentum of the Indonesian pair. They stole the second game with a score of 21-17.

Psychological warfare was displayed by Fajar/Rian in the third game, when they were leading 2-1. Liang requested for a change of shuttlecock, but Rian refused. Rian signaled to the referee that the shuttlecock was still good. The match continued without changing the shuttlecock.

Also read: History of the Thomas Cup and Indonesia's Achievement Records

Fajar, as a forward player, appeared more comfortable in controlling the game in the third set. Wang, who had an advantage in speed, was unable to do much due to Fajar's excellent ball placement. Fajar/Rian once again took a significant lead of 8-4, and then led 11-9 during the break of the deciding set.

The competition was tight towards the end of the third game. The score was tied from 12-12, 14-14, 16-16, to 17-17. Both pairs were competing with their speed and aggressiveness, taking advantage of the slightest mistakes from their opponents. At that crucial moment, the wind turned in favor of the Chinese pair.

ANTARA/ GALIH PRADIPTA

Indonesian men's badminton doubles players, Fajar Alvian (right) and Muhammad Rian Ardianto (left), tried to return the shuttlecock towards Thailand's men's doubles, Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul, in the qualifying round of the 2024 Thomas Cup group at Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, Chengdu, China, on Monday (29/4/2024). Fajar/Rian duo lost in three games 19-21, 21-14, 11-21.

Wang's long serve successfully outwits Rian. Liang/Wang reversed the lead to 18-17. Then, they succeeded in producing three consecutive points from the opponent's mistakes. The match ended with the Chinese pair hitting the field. Fajar/Rian had asked for a challenge, but it came out thin.

Also read: Two "Red and White" Teams in the Final Have a Chance to Match Thomas and Uber Titles

The second match between the two pairs was predicted to be heated. Liang/Wang had always won the last three meetings, but all matches had been close until the third game. They last met at the 2024 Asian Championships in April, where Liang/Wang won 21-19, 12-21, 21-17.

"We are only focused on thinking about this match, not influenced by the result of the first match. We want to contribute points but unfortunately haven't succeeded," said Rian after the match.