Indonesia book Sudirman Cup semis berth

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-06-14 09:44

Indonesia booked a place in the semi-finals of the Sudirman Cup world team tournmament with a 4-1 win over Hong Kong on Wednesday. Winners of the inaugural tournament in 1989 but unsuccessful since, Indonesia rested Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat but replacement Sony Dwi Kuncoro obliged by ousting Wei Ng 21-16 15-21 21-17.

Unbeaten South Korea, who overcame Indonesia 3-2 in earlier group action on day one, seek to secure their slot in the last four later on Wednesday when they play Denmark.

Holders China are already through and England play Thailand on Thursday with the remaining semi-final position at stake. China are hot favourites to retain the title but Indonesian doubles player Candra Wijaya, a winner against Hong Kong, told reporters: "We have not come here just to take part."

A total of 48 nations, split into six divisions, are contesting the event but only countries in the top division play for the Cup itself.

In the final in 2005, China beat Indonesia in front of an 18,000 crowd to lift the trophy for the fifth time.



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