Different strokes for oldies in Bangkok

IT’S a contrasting tale of two “oldies” at the Thomas Cup.

Hans-Kristian Vittinghus (pic) is 36 and he showed why Denmark continue to rely on him as he delivered the crucial point that saw his nation beat China 3-2 for only the third time in the Finals.

Liew Daren is 34 but he failed to deliver what could have been a dominant 3-0 win for Malaysia against Japan. Instead, it was left to the scratch doubles pair of Aaron Chia-Teo Ee Yi to take that honour.

Vittinghus defeated 22-year-old Korean Open champion Weng Hong Yang 16-21, 21-19, 21-18 in a brutal one hour and 19 minutes to take his country into the quarter-finals as group champions.

“I wasn’t feeling too tired, the adrenaline was pumping,” said Vittinghus.

“I’m not sure how many Thomas Cup matches I have left in me, so I really wanted to enjoy this one and give it everything.

“For us, it was really a symbolic win. We could defeat China. We don’t do that too often, it’s the third time ever. We haven’t beaten them for 24 years. It’s important to show that we can beat them.”

While Vittinghus was celebrating, Daren fell short when he lost 16-21, 20-22 against Kanta Tsuneyama despite a strong showing in the second game.

“I started slow but got my rhythm in the second but it was too late. I could have beaten him if it had gone to the rubber game,” said a determined Daren, who had to get medical attention briefly when he hurt his ankle.

“I’m good. I’m glad the team went though to the quarter-finals,” added Daren, who has been rested for the quarter-final tie against India.