Thomas Indonesia vs China Final: Bagas/Fikri Defeated, Indonesia's Hopes of Champion Run Away

The Indonesian team is still unable to return the Thomas Cup to Indonesia after Bagas/Fikri's defeat to the Chinese doubles.

HUMAS PP PBSI

The men's doubles pair of Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri faced Chinese opponents, He Ji Ting/Ren Xiang Yu, in the finals of the Thomas Cup at Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, China, on Sunday (5/5/2024). He/Ren emerged victorious with a score of 21-11, 21-15.

CHENGDU, SUNDAY — Indonesia's hopes of winning ended with a double defeat Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri to China's representatives, He Ji Ting/Ren Xiang Yu, 21-11, 21-15 in the final Thomas Cup at Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, China, Sunday (5/5/2024). China emerged as champions with a 3-1 win.

He/Ren showed how important mental preparedness is in team championships such as the Thomas Cup. The world's 11th-ranked pair appeared with sky-high confidence upon entering the court. They were not affected by the second individual defeat, Li Shi Feng, against Jonatan Christie, in the previous match.

Also read: Thomas Indonesia Vs China Final: Jonathan Saves the Face of the Indonesian Team

Li's defeat actually became a whip for the home doubles pair. They did not want to lose in front of their own audience. Before the fourth match, China only needed one victory to seal the Thomas Cup trophy. He/Ren appeared fiery and drowned the confidence of Bagas/Fikri.

Bagas/Fikri have a slight advantage in their previous meeting record against He/Ren, with 2 wins and 1 loss. Most recently, in the Asia Team Championships in February 2024, Bagas/Fikri also won with scores of 21-19, 21-19. However, the advantage on paper does not apply on the field, especially in front of the home supporters.

HUMAS PP PBSI

The men's doubles pair of Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri faced Chinese opponents, He Ji Ting/Ren Xiang Yu, in the finals of the Thomas Cup at Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, China, on Sunday (5/5/2024). He/Ren emerged victorious with a score of 21-11, 21-15.

China succeeded in reclaiming the Thomas Cup after it was lost in the previous two editions. They won their 11th title, approaching Indonesia which has already achieved 14 championships. In addition to He/Ren, the victory was also dedicated to the first singles player Shi Yu Qi and the first doubles pair Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang.

The fast tempo game started right from the first game. Both partners come with the same urgency. Drivepunching competitions became a common sight, with neither partner willing to lift the shuttlecock for the opponent. He/Ren took advantage of the flat shots to lead 11-5.

Also read: Thomas Indonesia Vs China Final: Fajar/Rian Lose in Small Details, Indonesia Behind 0-2

He/Ren became more comfortable after the break, utilizing Bagas/Fikri's stagnant game. They who held up well against the opponent's hard smashes began to dare to lift the ball. The home pair never lost momentum, then closed the first game with 21-11.

Bagas/Fikri, the world's 9th ranked doubles team, were more confident in the beginning of the second game. They slowly gained confidence after a series of consecutive points that put them ahead 5-4. The tempo of He/Ren's game briefly declined. Bagas also began to be able to convert points from hard smashes.

HUMAS PP PBSI

The men's doubles pair of Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri faced Chinese opponents, He Ji Ting/Ren Xiang Yu, in the finals of the Thomas Cup at Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, China, on Sunday (5/5/2024). He/Ren emerged victorious with a score of 21-11, 21-15.

However, once again, He-Ren is like an unstoppable locomotive. When they have gained points, they will continue to move forward with that momentum. The loud shouts after scoring points against the Chinese pair also seemed to have an effect on Bagas/Fikri's mentality. He/Ren turned the match around and led during the break, 11-7.

He/Ren guards the field area very deftly. The two players seemed to be everywhere. Bagas/Fikri went awry when reversing the blow. When they competed to drive, they lost quickly. When lifting the ball, both He and Ren have the same quality to kill with a smash.

Also read: Thomas Indonesia Vs China Final: Anthony Loses His Identity in the Opening Match

Bagas/Fikri were truly speechless after the break until the end of the game. He/Ren closed the match with a relatively easy victory in the second game, 21-15. After getting the last point, they immediately celebrated with coaches and other players. The warmth was accompanied by cheers from the audience.

As a result, Indonesia has not been able to bring the Thomas Cup back to the homeland after winning the title in 2020. However, the majority of players now are almost the same as those who won the championship four years ago, including Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Jonatan, and Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto.