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(Sports Focus) Denmark defeat Indonesia to claim Europe's first ever Thomas Cup

Xinhua, May 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

Denmark won Europe's first ever Thomas Cup by beating 13-time winners Indonesia 3-2 in the final of the world top men's badminton team tournament on Sunday.

Denmark, eight-time runners-up, became only the fifth champion after Indonesia, China, Malaysia and Japan in the Cup history.

World No. 4 Victor Axelsen gave Denmark a good start when he outplayed Tommy Sugiarto 21-17, 21-18 in the openning match. The 22-year-old celebrated the victory by tossing his racket and sweater to the stand to thank the support from Chinese fans.

"They were cheering for me throughout the game, so I should give them some gifts to show my gratitude," said Axelsen.

Second ranked doubles Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan defeated Mads Pieler Kolding/Mads Conrad Petersen 21-18, 21-13 to tie the match for Indonesia before Jan Jorgensen restored the lead for Denmark with a 21-17, 21-12 win over Anthony Sinisuka Ginting.

Indonesia, who had beaten Denmark four times in the Thomas Cup finals, caught up again through Angga Pratama/Ricky Karanda Suwardi in the second doubles. However, Denmark showed their singles muscles again as veteran Han-Kristian Vittinghus overwhelmed Ihsan Maulana Mustofa 21-15, 21-7 to secure the winning point.

"It's a big honor for me to play the last match in the final," said Vittinghus. "I had dreamed about it since we came here last week. I appreciated that my teammates made me an opportunity to win this match. Bring the Thomas Cup back to Denmark means a lot to us." Enditem