Bangkok (ANTARA News) - Indonesia emerged as the champion in Group B of Thomas Cup, after beating South Korea 3-2 in the qualifying round in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Indonesia secured the triumph after Firman Abdul Kholik, who played in the last match, beat South Korea`s third single player Ha Young Woong 20-22, 21-15, 21-12.

The Indonesian men`s team competed toughly with South Korean rivals in the badminton men`s team event although they have been assured of places in the quarter finals.

With the triumph, Indonesia has become the champion of the Group B, with South Korea being the runner-up.

The Thomas Cup quarter final draw will be held on Wednesday night.

Indonesia failed to secure the first point when Anthony Ginting lost to South Korea`s Son Wan Ho 20-22, 20-22. But Indonesia managed to equalize through "the minions" Kevin Sanjaya/Marcus Gideon, who played three games to outclass Chung Eui Seok/Kim Won Ho 21-11, 14-21, 21-10.

Indonesia suffered another loss after Jonatan Christie bowed to Heo Kwang Hee 17-21, 19-21. Indonesia managed to equalize 2-2 after the Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan duo beat South Korea`s Solgyu/Kim Dukyoung 21-14, 18-21, 21-15.

The Hendra/Ahsan duo, one-time world champion and top seed, found it hard to balance their rivals` quick game, causing them to lose in the second game. In the third game, they managed to overcome their opponents` game and continued to collect points until they won the game 21-15 after Choi Sulgyu`s smash hit the net.

Setiawan expected the Indonesian team to be able to improve their performance when they play in the quarter finals.

"We hope we all are ready for tomorrow, both in the singles and doubles," Hendra, who is the captain of the Indonesian men`s team in the Thomas Cup 2018, remarked.

Following is the result of Indonesia - South Korea match.

Anthony Ginting - Son Wan Ho 20-22, 20-22, Kevin Sanjaya/Marcus Gideon - Chung Eui Seok/Kim Won Ho 21-11, 14-21, 21-10 Jonatan Christie - Heo Kwang Hee 17-21, 19-21 Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan - Choi Solgyu/Kim Dukyoung 21-14, 18-21, 21-15, Firman Abdul Kholik - Ha Young Woong 20-22, 21-15, 21-12.

(S012/INE/B003)
EDITED BY INE
(T.S012/B/KR-BSR/B003)

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018