Axiata Cup 2014
Thailand beat Indonesia by a mere two points to emerge as the 2014 Axiata Cup champions at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium, Cheras, here tonight.
The Thais drew 2-2 with Indonesia after completing the four matches but they won the competition on points accumulated in the matches.
They accumulated 140 points while Indonesia had to settle for second place with 138 points.
“The pressure was on the players as they knew that they can win the competition with good points scoring,” said Thailand’s coach Udom Luangpetcharapom. “We are lucky to win the competition as the Indonesian team is not their full team.
The Thais got off to a brilliant start when their men’s singles Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk defeated Tommy Sugiarto in straight sets of 22-20, 21-13. The winning momentum continued when Ratchanok Intanon easily defeated Hana Ramadini also in straight sets 21-9, 21-12.
Hendra Setiawan and Markis Kido, Axiata Cup 2014 (sumber: badmintonindonesia.org)
In the men’s doubles, Indonesia’s 2008 Olympics gold medallist pair of Hendra Setiawan and Markis Kido proved to be a class of their own. The young Thai duo of Wannawat Ampunsuwan and Patiphat Chalardclaeam lost 16-21, 12-21.
The Indonesians claimed another win in the mixed doubles after Ricky Widianto and Richi Puspita Dili defeated Maneepong Jongjit and Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21-17, 21-10.
The champions pocketed US$400,000 (about RM1.38 million) while the runners-up received US$200,000. Third and fourth-placed teams Asian All-Stars received US$150,000 and Malaysia US$100,000 respectively.
Source: Bernama News
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Axiata Cup 2014 – Finals Highlights & Award Ceremony