China’s Chen Yufei reacts in a singles match against Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung during the BWF Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, May 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
CHENGDU, China, May 5 (Xinhua) — China won its 16th Uber Cup title after defeating Indonesia 3-0 here on Sunday.
But after losing the final to South Korea two years ago, China is considered the favorite when the championships are held on Chinese soil for the first time since 2016.
Olympic champion Chen Yufei led the singles action when she defeated Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 21-7, 21-16.
“I’m ready to take on anyone. I’m confident and in pretty good shape,” said Chen, who has not dropped a single set en route to the crowning moment.
World No. 1 Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan gave China a 2-0 lead with a 21-11, 21-8 win over Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti and Ribka Sugiarto in the doubles match.
In the second singles, Indonesian teenager Ester Nurumi Tri took the first set 21-10, but He Bingjiao recovered to win 21-15, 21-17.
“Maybe this will be our last team event. It might be a sad moment for the fans, but since this is the last dance, we hope for a better life in the future,” said Chen, who played four Uber Cups with Jia.
It was also a historic day for the Indonesian youth as he helped the team reach the finals for the first time since 2008.
“We reached the final after 16 years. It was not easy but we have proven our strength,” said Tunjung. “This tournament is set to make us more ready for the Olympics.”
Japan and South Korea shared the bronze medals.
The biennial badminton championships are being held in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, with the men’s Thomas Cup final scheduled for Sunday evening. ■
Chen Yufei of China reacts during her singles match against Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia during the BWF Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, May 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)
Chen Yufei of China reacts during her singles match against Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia during the BWF Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, May 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Hou Zhakang)
Chen Yufei of China reacts during her singles match against Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia during the BWF Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, May 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
China’s Chen Yufei returns in her singles match against Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung during the BWF Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, May 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Hou Zhakang)
Indonesian players cheer before the BWF Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, May 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)