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News | BWF Sudirman Cup

Japan Shines in TOTAL BWF Sudirman Cup 2019 Semifinals

Japan demonstrated their dominance in the TOTAL BWF Sudirman Cup 2019 semifinals by blanking their spirited Malaysian opponents in Nanning, China. With an impressive lineup, Japan’s top-seeded team showcased their skills and advanced to the medal round.

Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia congratulates Kento Momota of Japan
Image source: bwfbadminton.com

Singles Stars Lead the Way

In the opening men’s doubles match, Japan’s top seeds faced a strong challenge from Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi. However, the Japanese team, with singles and doubles players ranked no lower than No.3 in the world, prevailed. Superstar Kento Momota showcased his skills by defeating Lee Zii Jia with a score of 21-18 21-16, securing a crucial point for Japan. Nozomi Okuhara calmly overcame Soniia Cheah, earning Japan its second point with a score of 21-16 21-13.

The path to victory was not as straightforward for Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda. Despite facing significant pressure from their Malaysian rivals, the Japanese duo fought hard and eventually emerged victorious. After an intense battle, they won the match on their third match point.

Challenging Moments

The match between Kamura-Sonoda and Ong-Teo was filled with thrilling moments. The Malaysians showed determination, staging comebacks from 12-16 down to reach 18-all in the fast-paced shootout. There was a brief delay in the game as Teo required medical attention for a cut to his chin, but he and Ong continued to fight. In the end, Kamura and Sonoda emerged triumphant, but not without a fight from their opponents.

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Ong Yew Sin (left) and Teo Ee Yi fought courageously for Malaysia
Image source: bwfbadminton.com

Coaches’ Insights

Japan’s head coach, Park Joo Bong, expressed satisfaction with the 3-0 victory but acknowledged the challenges faced by his men’s pair during the match. He recognized the need for strategic planning in the upcoming semifinals against Indonesia, who advanced with a 3-2 victory over Chinese Taipei.

Reflecting on Japan’s performance throughout the tournament, Park highlighted that his players demonstrated better concentration and performance compared to their group-stage matches against Russia and Thailand.

Player Perspectives

After the match, Nozomi Okuhara emphasized the importance of teamwork and confidence in each other in a team tournament like the Sudirman Cup. She expressed her belief in her teammates’ abilities and their collective efforts to win the title.

FAQs

Q: Who were the top performers for Japan in the Sudirman Cup?

A: Japan’s top performers were Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara, who secured vital wins in their respective matches.

Q: What is the Sudirman Cup?

A: The Sudirman Cup is a prestigious badminton tournament that features mixed-gender teams from around the world.

Conclusion

Japan’s exceptional performance in the TOTAL BWF Sudirman Cup 2019 semifinals showcased their strength and determination. With victories in both the singles and doubles matches, they secured a spot in the medal round. The team’s focus on teamwork and confidence in each other will be crucial in their pursuit of the Sudirman Cup title.

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