PETALING JAYA: Indonesia’s Ester Nurumi has a knack for delivering when it matters most but can she spring another surprise when they face South Korea in the Uber Cup Finals semi-finals today?
The 20-year-old, ranked 264th in the world, rose to the occasion by beating world No. 42 Amalie Schulz 21-13, 21-14 to seal the winning point against hosts Denmark at Forum Horsens.
Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma had gotten the opening point after beating Line Christophersen 21-12, 21-15, before Denmark leveled things with Line Kjaersfeldt taking down Ni Kadek Dhinda 21-15, 21-16.
Febriana Dwipuji-Meilysa Trias then beat Amalie Kudsk-Mette Wege 21-19, 21-11, before Ester stepped up to win.
Ester had also delivered the decisive point at last year’s semi-final against Thailand too when she defeated Supanida Katethong to help Indonesia reach their first Uber Cup final since 2008.
Indonesia are eyeing their fourth Cup title, having last won in 1996.
Facing South Korea, she is slated to meet world No. 19 Sim Yu-jin, and Ester is ready to face the tough task without pressure.
“I’m grateful to be playing without any injuries and bring the team to the semi-finals,” said Ester.
“We are going to play our best and enjoy every match.”
With the added support of Indonesian Thomas Cup team and fans, Ester promised to out for another good outing.
“We had the Thomas Cup team members come out to support us as well, which boosted our spirits,” she said.
There is no major surprises in the top four cast for the semi-finals as China and Japan joined Indonesia and South Korea.
It was the same teams that featured at the last four stage in 2024.
China are in search of their 17th title, and will be hoping to make it a back-to-back win after clinching the title two years ago in Chengdu.
Japan, meanwhile, are hoping to end their title drought after last winning in 2018.
