From Amiril Muttaqien Meketar
HORSENS (Denmark), May 4 (Bernama) -- China's men's doubles player He Ji Ting paid tribute to team captain Shi Yu Qi, crediting the world No. 1 men's singles shuttler's resilience for inspiring the team to retain the Thomas Cup, sealing the 2026 title with a 3-1 final win over France at Forum Horsens, last night.
Ji Ting said even though Yu Qi was not at his physical best, having struggled with a stomach illness recently, his spirit in the opening match of the final tie against world No. 4 Christo Popov set the tone for China’s successful title defence.
“Yu Qi faced such a big challenge. Combined with his physical condition, he had gastroenteritis and wasn’t feeling well and was under a lot of pressure, but he persisted throughout.
“As a member of this team and as a leader, he acted as a stabilising force,” he said in a post-match interview.
Despite strong resistance from France, Ji Ting said he was pleased that his teammates kept their composure, expressed themselves freely and ultimately brought home the trophy for the 12th time.
China drew first blood when Yu Qi survived an 85-minute battle to hold off strong resistance from Christo 21-16, 16-21, 21-17 in a pulsating opener.
France hit back in style as their second singles and world No. 10 Alex Lanier delivered a composed display to stun world No. 7 Li Shi Feng 21-13, 21-10 in 43 minutes, levelling the tie.
However, the Asian team wrestled back control in the third match as world No. 15 Weng Hong Yang edged world No. 17 Toma Junior Popov 22-20, 20-22, 21-19 in a tense 96-minute battle.
With the title on the line, Ji Ting and partner Ren Xiang Yu stepped up to deliver a knockout blow, prevailing against world No. 52 Eloi Adam-Leo Rossi, 21-13, 21-16.
Toma Junior Popov called the experience "amazing," hailing his team's fighting spirit despite China ending France's dream run to a historic Thomas Cup triumph.
“Just amazed. The team is proud of it. We fought and maybe deserved a little bit more, but we showed a great battle on the court. It was crazy,” he said.
The 27-year-old also believed the defeat would only fuel France’s hunger for future success in the prestigious badminton team tournament.
-- BERNAMA
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