The last time Indonesia were in the Uber Cup final, Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi was just over five years old. Today the 21-year-old navigated the turbulent waters of a tense fifth match of the semifinal against Korea to see her team through to the final.

Sunday will see a repeat of 2008, with surprise finalists Indonesia taking on 15-time winners China for the Uber Cup.

“It is incredible – this is our first final, and it’s a great experience. Our team work has been very good, and our captain Apriyani has been very supportive,” said Cahya Dewi. “My opponent is very young, and as she has lesser experience than me, I was expected to win and there was a lot of pressure on me. I wasn’t sure of how I should handle her game. Her net game was excellent, and her touch and feel was better than mine. She played with nothing to lose. I just had to be more focussed after I lost the first game. At the end I was wondering why she was coming so close, and I got so nervous. It was so hard.”

The fifth match was necessitated by Indonesia taking the two singles and Korea both doubles. Gregoria Mariska Tunjung once again provided the early thrust; in the absence of Korean spearhead An Se Young, Sim Yu Jin was given the opening singles role for Korea, but Tunjung was always in control.

The lead was nullified by Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee; Indonesia then turned to Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, who has played a vital role in Indonesia’s campaign so far.

With Korea drawing level through the strength of their doubles, the tie was in the hands of Cahya Dewi and the 18-year-old Kim Min Sun.

For someone with little big-match experience – Kim Min Sun hasn’t played any event all year; in 2023 she was still playing the Junior International Series – the teenager very nearly saw Korea home. With sharp winners on either flank, and finesse at the net, Kim stayed within distance, but a spell of inconsistency at the end cost her dear. She saved three match points before Cahya Dewi breached her defence with a body smash.

China March Ahead

Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan continued to cement their legacy as the greats of this generation, with yet another incredible comeback, keeping China’s slate clean and helping them into their 20^th final.

In a match that resembled the YONEX French Open final against Chiharu Shida/Nami Matsuyama, Chen and Jia were slipping out the contest at 12-18 in the third game. By sheer force of will and presence of mind, they stormed back with six straight points.

The test wasn’t over yet, for Shida and Matsuyama remained steadfast and earned two match points. It was testament to Chen/Jia’s never-say-die attitude that they found a way out of these dire straits as they so often have in their career, and soon it was Shida and Matsuyama who were contemplating a bitter loss.

Then, with He Bing Jiao running away with a 15-0 lead over Nozomi Okuhara, it was all but over for Japan. Okuhara did manage some respectability to the score, but she was inconsolable as she came off court.

What They Said

“It was a big game for me and for our team. I was under a lot of pressure. She’s my junior and this was the time I could show I’m proud of being part of this team. I had to maintain my focus and seek a solution.” – Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi

“After I lost the first game I managed to reset myself. I’ve had two long matches and I’m exhausted! Honestly, I feel I’m dying!” – Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo

“We were in a hurry to close out the game, and that cost us. It wasn’t a mental block; when we were at 18-12 we possibly rushed things a bit and that boomeranged on us.” – Nami Matsuyama

“It can all change in a split-second. I think we got lucky. The turning point was when one of them smashed out; if that was in, I don’t think I would have got that back and the match would be finished.” – Chen Qing Chen

“Going into the second game, our opponents played faster and we tried to play fast too, and that was a mistake. We tried to reduce the pace and that was the turning point.“ – Lee So Hee

“I just didn’t find any rhythm in the first game. I feel so sorry, not just because I didn’t win the match, but because I feel I let my team down.” – Nozomi Okuhara

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