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Indonesia to face favorite Japan in Sudirman Cup semifinals
Team Indonesia had to go the extra mile to book its semifinal spot in the 2019 Sudirman Cup mixed team tournament. After surviving the Taiwan scare, the Indonesian shuttlers now face favorite Japan.
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Indonesian Marcus Fernaldi Gideon (left) and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo react during a men's doubles match against Taiwan in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Sudirman Cup mixed team tournament in Nanning, China, on Friday. (PBSI/PBSI)
T
eam Indonesia had to go the extra mile to book its semifinal spot in the 2019 Sudirman Cup mixed team tournament, as survived the Taiwan scare to eventually own a 3-2 victory in the Friday’s quarterfinals.
In Saturday’s semis, Indonesia will have to brave Japan, which on paper holds a better chance of reaching the finals for having shuttlers in the top-three world rankings in all categories. Japan thrashed Malaysia 3-0 in the quarters.
Despite looking at a tough opponent, as Japan’s players are also know for good endurance, Indonesian team manager Susy Susanti motivated her players to fight them without fear.
“We really want [to win], so we have told our shuttlers to fight all the way. Stay focused to win point by point. They should not be bothered by what [their odds look like] on paper. Anything can happen on the court. A fighting spirit is all we need,” Susy said in a statement.
The last time Indonesia made it to the semifinals was in 2015, when China crushed Indonesia’s dream of reaching the final.
Susy went on to say that she needed all the teammates to support each other throughout the tournament.
“I’ve told the whole team that all we need is to stay solid. Those who don’t play can cheer on their teammates who are fighting on the court,” said Susy, who played a pivotal role for Indonesia winning the Sudirman Cup in Jakarta in 1989.
