PETALING JAYA: Indonesia showed they can rely on their third singles as debutant Moh Zaki Ubaidillah saved the 14-time champions’ blushes by delivering the winning point in their Group D tie at the Thomas Cup Finals.
On Sunday, the 18-year-old defeated Tanawat Yimjit 21-11, 21-12 in the deciding match to hand Indonesia a hard-fought 3-2 win in a tie that stretched close to six hours at Forum Horsens.
Earlier, Jonatan Christie and reigning Thailand SEA Games champion Alwi Farhan went down fighting in their respective singles matches.
Jonatan fell 16-21, 22-20, 20-22 to Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a marathon lasting one hour and 28 minutes, while Alwi suffered a surprise 21-14, 17-21, 16-21 defeat to Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul.
Indonesia, however, reigned supreme in the doubles despite making tactical changes.
They moved second pair Sabar Karyaman-Moh Reza to the first doubles slot, and the duo justified the decision by beating Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn-Worrapol Thongsa-nga 21-17, 21-18.
Skipper Fajar Alfian was then paired with 20-year-old Nikolaus Joaquin, and the scratch combination rose to the occasion to beat Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakkapon Teeraratsakul 19-21, 21-17, 25-23 in a thrilling match that lasted one hour and 19 minutes.
Indonesia are virtually through to the quarter-finals and will face France to complete their group fixtures. France had earlier lost to Thailand in their opening tie.
