As expected, mighty China won the 2010 Thomas Cup, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, beating arch rival Indonesia 3-0 in the final, held today Sunday, 16 May 2010.
It is China 4th straight Thomas Cup, winning the coveted trophy 8 times since 1982.
The Great Wall of China remains firm and strong.
Chen Jin gave China their fourth Thomas Cup crown in a row when he overcame Indonesia’s Simon Santoso in the second singles to win the third point for the 3-0 win at the Putra Stadium.
Lin Dan jubilates after beating Taufik Hidayat
China led 1-0 after 3 time world champion and 2008 Olympic champion, Lin Dan overpowered former world champion and 2004 Olympic Champion, Taufik Hidayat 21-7, 21-14 in the first singles. Taufik Hidayat gave his best, but could only get 7 points in the 1st set.
In the second set, Taufik tried his very best to match Lin Dan but had to contend with only 14 points as the Chinese ace swept through with powerful display of smashes, cross courts and deceptive shots, much to the delight of the crowd and millions more watching live on TV around the world.
The second match, pitted the current men's doubles World champion against the current men's doubles Olympic champion!!!
2006 and 2009 world champion and 2008 Olympic silver medalist, Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng finally outlasted 2008 Olympic Champion and 2007 world champion, Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan 25-23, 16-21, 21-12. The Indonesian pair nearly delivered the 1st point for their country in the 1st set, but the Chinese pair held their breath and composure and finally won the breath taking 1st set, 25-23.
In the 2nd set, Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan upped their tempo and won 21-16. However in the deciding game, Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng showed why they are the top badminton doubles team in the world by dispatching the Indonesian pair, 21-12.
Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng rejoices after beating Markis Kido - Hendra Setiawan
At 2-0 in favour of China, it was up to Chen Jin to wrap up the third vital point.
And the 2008 All-England winner, 2008 Olyimpic bronze medalist, 2009 world championship runners-up and world no 4, did not disappoint.
After losing the first set 19-21, he bounced back to win the second set 21-17 and then the third set 21-7 to give China their fourth crown on a trot and eighth overall.
After his win against Taufik Hidayat, Lin Dan said “I am not a class above the rest,”.
Lin Dan who is China’s three-time world champion, destroyed Indonesia's former Olympic and world champion Taufik Hidayat 21-7, 21-14 to clinch the all important first point for the defending champions in the Thomas Cup final.
The packed Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil saw Lin Dan at his best, leaving Taufik dazed with his all round superiority after a string of disappointing results before coming to Kuala Lumpur.
The first set lasted only 17 minutes as the Chinese ace raced to a 6-0 lead before Taufik got his first point in the game.
By the time the score reached 11-1, it was one-way traffic all the way as Lin Dan wrapped up the set in style.
Taufik did offer some resistance in the second set but there was no stopping Lin Dan.
With the score at 7-5 in his favour, Lin Dan stepped on the pedal and easily went on to take the set and match at 21-14 in 43 minutes.
Lin Dan seemed to tell the crowd 'who else but me' each time he scored a point with his outstretched hands much to the delight of the Chinese supporters.
“I am tired, very tired. I hope to change my economy class ticket to first class when we return home tonight,” said Lin Dan.
“I am happy to have got the chance to play (Lee) Chong Wei and Taufik and beating them both. They are two of the best players in the world. Chong Wei is still the most difficult player to play against.
“Today, we (Taufik and myself) tried to win the first point for our country. It was our responsibility to get the first point and I won.
“I put in a lot of effort in my win but I must say that I am not a class above the rest as many have made out. Chong Wei, Taufik and Peter (Gade Christensen) are at the same level.
“We have players like Chen Jin, Bao Chunlai and Chen Hong in the next group.”
When asked about his coach Tang Hsien Hu, whom he hugs first after each match, Lin Dan said: “Tang is a legend. He is like a grandfather to me. He is an expert whose techniques and badminton skills are second to none.”
Tang has somewhat revived Lin Dan’s career after a poor start to the season when he was beaten in the All England and the Swiss Open before winning the Asian Badminton Championships in New Delhi before coming to Kuala Lumpur.
Lin Dan’s next tournament is the inaugural Professional League in China which begins at the end of this month.
“We want to make this league very successful. I hope the foreign players will compete in this league,” added Lin Dan
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