BWF Thomas Cup Finals 2024 | Denmark vs. Malayisia | Group D

TotalEnergies BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024
Thomas Cup | Group D
Denmark vs. Malayisia

#ThomasUberCupFinals #Chengdu2024

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[Music] [Applause] [Music] changu is in the Southeast Southwest of China I should say and the capital of Sichuan province it’s known as a land of abundance and there is plenty to see and do in this Mega city of over 20 million people it’s known as the birthplace of paper money and tea culture so get yourself a nice copper and settle down as we enter the Fantastic state-of-the-art Arena that is the chungu high-tech Sports Center Stadium this is the venue for the total energies bwf Thomas and Uber Cup finals 2020 for effectively the world team championships and we have got a very very tasty match ahead of us but first let’s just tell you we are still in the group stages of this historic event it is day four of action tomorrow will conclude that group stage before we move on to the knockout rounds it’s an opportunity for teams to either secure their place in the quarterfinals or to at least try to to aim and finish top of the group talking of which there are four of those 16 teams into those four different groups as we look across the Thomas cup and see where all these teams are placed everyone has already played at least two matches so one final tie to go and there are our attentions on Group D with so much to play for as you can see very little separating the top two there Denmark and Malaysia two historic nations in this competition well earlier on we also had another group de encounter that was in the uut for the women where Korea perhaps surprisingly beats Denmark without losing a single match now the Danish men will be hoping to do a lot better this evening against Malaysia what pits two big powers of badmington Denmark have won it just once that might surprise you to know back in 2016 right here in China in kunan led by the man there on the left Victor axelon they’ve already beaten Algeria and Hong Kong 5-0 a piece and there is their squad it is full of talents lots and lots of depth as well and that is hugely important in this competition where you’re looking down at second or third third pair or player Malaysia have won it five times but the last time they did so was back in 1992 when they hosted it it’s been a long long wait they have also beaten Hong Kong and Algeria 5-0 a piece very to separate them and a lot of talking points here with their team selection no place for toy Y and on you they didn’t make it here unyong is recovering from injury so there is a slight inexperience in this side what will that mean in the final [Applause] Reckoning well right now Spirits are high in this Malaysian side they feel they can create a bit of an upset against these second seeds let’s look at the order of play here we have got Victor axelon the current world number one and the reigning Olympic champion he takes on the 21 all England winner the world number 10 Ley Jan The Pick of the matches surely and into the men’s doubles uh we’ve got the world championship Runners up from 2023 Kim master and Anders Scot rasmason versus the world champions from 2022 in aronia and soek the in form Anders anenson he’s also the current European Champion he takes on L John is a former Asian Junior champion into the second men’s doubles and Rasmus K and Frederick sgard well they are the current European Champions bronze medalists and they take on Goa and N iudin in that doubles encounter which could be absolutely vital and then the one that I think many people will be looking at with a real interest this could be the deciding match Rasmus gka he’s the world number 26 he takes on very inexperienced very young Justin ho who is the world number 233 preferred to TM June way tonight so plenty to talk about and thankfully I have someone next to me who loves to talk we’ve got the multiple world and European medalist in power of binton Bobby Griffin here with me Bobby this one I know you’ve been stomping at the bit all day for this thanks J yeah absolute pleasure to be here I really am Malaysia versus Denmark and with Thomas K it’s it’s the tie of the week for me so far you wouldn’t be surprised that both Nations at least make a semi-final here yeah this year potentially both of them fighting as maybe third pick behind Indonesia and China it’s so evenly poised I mean this particular tie especially the men singles coming up axelon versus Le year they’ve got loads of History both Nations have got tons of history in the Thomas cup I mean Denmark have been in the finals nine times Malaysia have been in it uh 14 times you wouldn’t be surprised if Victor ason struggles out here a little bit today I think seven months ago you’d think he’s a shoe in for this one it really will set the tone for the rest of the tie because if he goes down there to Le’s year it’s wide open it is absolutely wide open you can hear the cheers now both these men very very popular here even in China despite the fact that China are playing next to us in court one there’s going to be split attention not just here but around the world just tell us why it’s so lip smacking this particular tie axelon versus Lis I know you talked about the history but there’s something about these two players as well isn’t there I mean they’ve both got huge experience in the Thomas cup as well Li has always performed despite being an independent player for Malaysia these days he really does puts in a shift for his Nation when it comes to the Thomas cup I’m not sure I can say exactly the same against axon I’m not no disrespect to him but he’s had some some losses over the years um they head to head which I know you’re going to talk about a little bit in a moment is just fascinating I’m going back to that all England final a few years ago let’s take out the retirement the last time they met but prior to that we’re talking about gam went right down to the wire and only won by two points on every occasion I think an going to do well today but otherwise the entire tie could go either way there’s that head tohe that you mentioned there 53 in favor of a we must put a little asterisk there to be fair as well Bobby with the fact that one of those three fory J here was at last year sud Cup finals where unfortunately Victor Aon had to retire that was also in China by the way if we’re looking for parallels that was about a year ago and so you’ll be hoping that none of that recurs again here but yes mentioned the Indonesia open the final there yeah the semi-final I should say their previous meetings Indonesia are open uh semifinal 23 21 and the third Denmark open which must have been in a lot to axon 19 and 19 they’re so evenly close and then the previous was the all Inland final doesn’t get much bigger than that and E destroyed him in that third third game I know last game 219 yeah absolutely so here’s Victor Aon the current Olympic champion he’s 30 years of age he’s a huge man at 194 a former world champion twice in 2017 and 2022 he’s won multiple sodman and Thomas cup Medals of course 2016 being the most uh memorable one last year’s European games Champion former European Champion three times but he has been a little bit shaky this year he hasn’t won a title yet which for him is quite unusual now we look at these results Adel ham that’s expected but the one against l boy was he pushed he really was and it’s a surprise to most people that he possibly lose a game in that match again we go back 6 seven months that wouldn’t have happened to AC and we’ve seen him lose a few times over the last six months as well in perhaps not shocking upsets but if Le beats him today I don’t think it would be the biggest surprise to Bon fans totally agree here’s Malaysia’s number one 26 years of age he too a tall man at 186 cm tall from the north of the country and uh talked about that all England in 2021 that’s his biggest individual Triumph and he’s also won former Asia champion in 2022 and he’s won the Asian Team Championships in 2022 as well and a man overall who has uh beaten meu Quite Comfort well relatively comfortably and then Adel hamk as well now he said he opted to play in that match against Adel ham could have rested because feeled a a second string side as it were but he said he wanted to use that as preparation for this match against axon I think that is true no doubt and uh I’m hoping I’m allowed to talk about this but for the first time in Malaysian history he’s actually getting paid per match to play here at the Thomas Cup being an independent which is interesting in itself so let’s just put that incentive in there um I was commentating on the match on day one against Hong Kong where he played Le Q in typical Ley just style very aggressive very attacking and he made a few attacking errors that score line perhaps flatters the man from Hong Kong but only because was trying to hit the L so Andrea Kini is our umpire Benjamin from Chinese Ty is our service left Denmark represented by ACC Malaysia to here we go then massive match here Aon versus [Applause] Lee and it’s the first point to the Malaysian I should ask you as well uh Bobby about uh conditions here in this amazing Venue at the high-tech uh Sports home yeah absolutely just before I mentioned that you you mentioned Andrea chapini the Umpire I’m quite glad it’s chapini in the big chair today because he takes no pris you know what we want to see I think we’re going to need it you know the Feist between these two men is going to need somebody strong in that chair um conditions in here it’s reasonbly quick shead I think that’s that’s been the feedback from the players so far uh it’s fast on both ends there’s not been a lot of sideways drift on certainly on court two has been on the outside courts a little more but we should be in for a fast and aggressive match from start great start there lovely shot from Ax now you mentioned earlier about the number of finals these two countries have been in was it 14 you said for Malaysia and nine for Denmark I should add the head-to-head between these two going back to the very first one 1949 when they first met it is 117 overall to Malaysia however six of Denmark’s wins have come since 1996 you know what Den Mar will probably feel a little bit unlucky that they got only one Thomas cup you know in the trophy cabinet back in uh in Copenhagen because they’ve had some really narrow losses I mean we’ve seen heroics from from players like K Christian Ving who over the years instrumental in the win in 2016 they were too all he won the match to get through to the semi-finals they were too all he won in the final you know to secure it for for Denmark but there’s been Str not strange defeats but unlucky or very close defeats in quarters and semis in the last 10 years that Denmark You could argue could have easily won see a much better record here so I think with them what are they third in the men team rankings Malaysia are at five it’s just great to see a match and a TI of this quality so early on in the week yeah I totally agree to have these two uh powerhouses good start so far for axon of6 been 63 since then so Denmark have had the upper hand overall and uh so far it would look like accent passing upper hands here leads by three L J putting that one away though just Relentless attack these two guys you mentioned their height big strong tall players that head-to-head record is not misleading but you know there was the retirement and there’s a few meetings very early on in their careers right now they’re just so evenly matched and and I you know can’t wait to to see how this entire thing pans out [Music] long there from Ley J A lot of people showing tremendous interest in this particular match with perhaps not quite a 100% in axelon Lea Jaz coming good again after a disappointing couple of years perhaps it’s been toxby for him isn’t it going in dependent adjus that with a coach without a coach with a coach again you know and he got he had that ban from Malaysia after the whole dispute about the independence thing he then had a few strange tournaments where he didn’t perform remember he took some time off as well after Indonesia open as well there’s just so many factors going not just in this match you’ve got to think that A’s going to be prioritizing the Olympics this Sumer and that’s one thing for me again I’m not saying he’s not going to give his absolute very best here but if you’re axelon you’re going to want that Olympic title this year this summer to defend it successfully defend it well exactly and the way men’s singles has been going over the last 6 months we’re turning up at events from Super 300 all the way up to Super thousands and arguably any one of the top 10 could win it every time we go out it’s it’s just an incredible point to be in in sort of men’s singles history eight four well it’s a nice little cushion he’s got here isn’t he axelon Four Points [Applause] good defense that just just so strong booming shot there from the Malayan the recovery here initially from ason is tremendous SL slips he’s on the floor he gets this one [Applause] back too strong it was funny you and me we were doing the the various permutations today of if so and so wins the first match and then what happens in the second and it’s fascinating to talk about isn’t it well these two teams are going through the group who goes through in first and second there’s a redraw for the rest of the tournament the interesting thing is we’ve got so many different aspects at every stage so whatever happens in this first one will no doubt have a impact on the rest of the team moving forward you wouldn’t be surprised if Denmark go three love up you wouldn’t be surprised if L wins this cheer and so beat AST and rasmon I think Anon should win but then the second doubles comes into play Justin ho the teenager has been picked CH way ahead of him exactly I mean he’s a prestigious talent and he had that injuries back now but can he beat rasma Gea at third singles sh it’s two at the time you know I’m I’m getting my geek on a little bit here about that but if it goes to two all going to be so exciting it could well happen and Aon does restore that four-point [Applause] lead he’s had some good run of points already five right from the very start 116 and at the interval Victor axelon in a fairly decent position here leads by five against Le J it’s 116 got to say Li looks like he’s been bossing more of the points been on top he’s taking that initiative but aon’s so steady uh and he’s so tall he’s able to defend [Applause] [Applause] wi we have to wait at one minute no no no now now we can play Inter is mandatory we have to to 116 [Applause] it’s gone long again couple times that’s happened in terms of lengthways drift have you noticed too much on that it’s quick both sides by the looks of things this week it’s just I was um trying to work out earlier in the week when they were testing the Victor shuttles what sort of speed they were settling on and whether they uh are resetting that daily because it is quicker than most of the tournaments go see putting that in the neck be a bit disappointed with that just looked up to the heavens there feels he should have at least got that one [Music] over you’ve got someone who’s almost 2 m tall a jump smash coming down that’s got to be coming down a height of more than 3 m at you that’s good isn’t it over 13 this is starting to look a little tough for Ley J in this opening game still has time though many mistakes for me so far from the Malaysian most of them I mean that one was a cross lift ex out why but a lot of them have been when he’s been on top of the rally we’re not seeing that from Maxon he’s been very consistent so far late oh he hit his lines there it’s good it looked like the moment might have been over for liy J yeah he was unsure on the back line again quality from Max here he’s not really sure he leaves it late and somehow well he hit the net CT I think with that sort of neutralizing backand and then the smash he need to be at his best here [Applause] pleas between the legs there not from Victor ax he’s got this very nice 7o lead now don’t think Lee was expecting this smash to the body yeah well placed that gone just a bit long it has and it’s going to be challenged by axelon I think it probably was out we’ll see but he has got that he’s got two challenges he’s got seven points in the bag why not they well well out isn’t it that chall unsuccessful one challeng remaining Over N 15 I think that’s one of those challenges where somebody just wants to break some Rhythm take a break reset oh fantastic shot to be played I don’t know how he as long as you did if I’m honest him but this time here staying composed in [Applause] attackk fire wanting to keep things moving along but this is just it’s a great B all around 15 look at the power that explosive action he’s got he was asked about whether he could replicate that level of four that he had in the uh Indonesia open he said yeah I think I could do it that performance there was very very tight left that one in gamble there from a so he’s aiming for that kind of form Bobby he’s had all those challenges over the last couple of years he said he was going to give it his best today he has still trailing by four here but you feel in a lot of the rallies he’s actually been on top there’s a long way to go yet as well I mean whilst I don’t think the conditions are too bad a lot of the games have been won on this near side and it might be that um axelon is actually on the better end it’s just not a great deal in it oh what on that oh fantastic what entertainment from these two I think ax been hit in the neck here with that kill from Liz here we have a better look at it look at the shot he played there that’s not too bad is it just checking on axelon and when you uh when you talked about that harrowing time for Lu Jo when he declared his independence as it were actually one of the first people to extend a hand out was Victor Aon if you recall when he said come over and the fact that even then early in the match Le’s checking that he’s okay that’s good sign of sportsmanship there isn’t [Applause] it Jud malan he’s um he’s been unsure about thatround a few times particularly in that round the head corner b we look at that we were talking about seven points a short while ago it’s down to two brilliant from Li J couple of tweeners there from axelon good save yet to readjust and it didn’t help him giv everything in game one aren’t they and it I’m so pleased because this one means so much to their Nations you know it’s one of the matches one of the few matches we see in the group stages where they’re so evenly matched and it really will matter today yeah totally agree it is a fantastic run of points here six now for Ley Gia 14 15 it was just a short while ago [Applause] 158 and he desperately needed that didn’t he Victor axel 16 14 well there were six points in a row for the Malaysian axelon with a good judgment putting a stop to that and you’re right needed to be [Applause] now brilliant oh he said that superbly yeah look at what it means to that exactly that shows just how crucial things are right this net shot I mean he wasn’t on top of him that either quality of an MA top draw huge raar there from the [Applause] Dane another net [Applause] C that’s a bad Miss three absolutely vital points for Victor aers to relieve that pressure was really building up on him too much time to think there I think legit don’t like [Music] [Applause] that b we talk to us about some of the reactions we’re seeing particularly from Maxon well that return of serve I mean these push it right at his body he almost did the 360 ticking off the hip it was a great block getting him back into the rally it’s just instinctive you’ve played at the I mean it’s it’s so hard to do to adjust and to ref so quickly isn’t it no it’s easy for you for you special people yeah definitely not like us me and morals special is one word I no I mean these guys train at the top level and they’re used to having shuttles fire at than training by coaches multi shot towards two people on top of the net I mean they practice for it and um whilst it looks amazing like Neo from the M actually it just becomes an inance you know where the racket’s going you know where the shuffle is you’re just TR to try and get there as quick as you can quick enough this time yeah he’s looking to chip away again at the sleeve that axelon have built up three points in it two required from the day [Applause] huge one there four game points for Victor axelon again the reaction axelon roaring fist [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] pumping gone wide out wide and that is a big big start here for Victor axelon but what an entertaining game we had Bobby it’s really enjoyable yeah they’re giving it everything and it’s brilliant to see by rights you know they could save themselves a little bit here you know I know we’re hyping it up because it is a huge match and it could go either way both two teams are going through the group Into The Knockout stages you understand if it took a little bit of a TR seat but they’re not and that’s great for uh for fans all over 2016 [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] down [Applause] Yeahs what was interesting was uh Li J said I think everyone’s waiting for this match he knows the enormity of it and was interesting because Victor axelon then played it down himself he said not really thought about this match but doesn’t matter it will be a tough match so kind of different ways of maybe he’s playing it cool I’m not sure correct I find it interesting that Aon with national Danish head coach Kenneth jison again you know it’s been a while yeah you know it doesn’t happen all the time he’s independent and he’s got his own personal coaching staff so he’s now having to you know take orders from from the top she hasn’t had to yeah opening Point again he did talk about that game against Le he said it was a hard attacking skillful player that I was up against and every time you you play him it’s really tough in these conditions oh what a nut shot axelon the little double action so SK that yeah I agree Li is a is a good player watch this just that little movement yeah into out we talked about the pressure of the Thomas SCS there always a little bit extra here you want to win from the team even if you lose you want to give some energy to your team it all does fall on these two shoulders these two guys to set the tone it’s well played here soing up that first [Music] smash it’s fascinating how um the speed of the matches in the Thomas cup particular the group stage are always fast same players playing on the world tour week in week out who take loads of time and there’s you know all these breaks but because they’re here in a team event and the rest of their teammates are just about to go on Court and most of the time these guys watch them and support just seems to be a faster Pace to it I love it yeah I agree it’s good to see the way they get through these quite quickly it’s on the line oh it’s good not challenging [Applause] two it’s quite also something to talk about is the occasion and and maybe the hype it’s kind of maybe just settled a bit also the crowd is sort of settled as well it was very very pumped up in you wasn’t [Applause] it might have something to do with China not winning the first game say chiu chi you know one of the favorites here and he’s just lost comfortably in the opening game I think that’s just uh n the crowd a little bit brilliant from M what defense adjusting so well oh that’s a great point for the Malaysian he looked for some trouble didn’t he earli on [Music] it’s not that one yes axelon just didn’t quite connect with the kill bit of bad fortune there it’s going wide shake it ah head there from Lee four [Applause] three never easy when you’re buing the hopes of 30 odd million people and a Bandon crazy country like [Applause] Malaysia equality again at the net from [Applause] both try too much also doesn’t help us closeby when people are always trying to anoint the next Leong way for example and then this it’s it was given to him a long time ago and then he he wins the all England and then everyone starts having his expectations and he perhaps hasn’t quite lived up to that yet because it’s not easy to fill in those kind of shoes no it’s not I fully agree it’s a bit different these days as well I mean the whole all of these players and plays going independent for example there’s different pressures social media’s yeah a huge hype where 10 15 years ago and John way was at his Peak wasn’t quite the same and money in the sport it’s a business it’s just a bit different four [Applause] [Music] [Applause] five excellent shot from J he looking more comfortable on this end he looks confident I was watching him come out for the second he looks composed but also you know shoulders back he’s up for this you can see from that [Applause] reaction seemed to be the better end the near side where L is great judgment that entire rally was such high quality hard to tell from that replay but that can’t have been out by more than a couple of centimeters yeah that was good call but look at the difference here remember axelon raced away at the start of the first game much much tighter here [Applause] now BR string I think [Music] [Applause] [Music] again a little bad fortune axelon set that up nicely served out wide looking for that straight lift so [Music] early now in front both players making a few mistakes when they’re actually in plenty of T of the shuttle and they’re not given much time and it’s just instinctive they’ve been brilliant there you go yeah on balance then there was no reason to miss [Applause] oh he broke a string that’s why same as axelon in the previous rally we look at uh axson in terms of recent events it’s not been great is it it’s been inconsistent it’s not played as much as well it’s best appearance so far it’s been a semifinals those open he had such a great 2023 yeah in some big events oh he missed another one this yet lost to to much in the pop off in the European championships semi-finals as well that’s right the pop offs particularly Tom have had an incredible Springtime some big big results for them got to the final the Spain Masters as well yeah I was there very much in inform well I’d say pair but really we’re talking about their singles efforts in particular Tom so an out of form pop off I think that that good to look at that reaction again again these points mean so much huge Victor axon thank you we compare that with let’s see if we get the full replay here as he goes to his box because yeah yeah I think he gives it another fist bump in a second team events are so good golf fans will appreciate things like the Ridder cup you know the team events where there’s the Roar of the crowd players themselves are all fighting for each other their fists are pumping their sh this is becoming a bit like that mamota this week watched commentated on his first match saw him again play yesterday he used to be ice cold you know because he’s great save he looked in trouble and salvaged it beautifully Shake of the head from lizy [Applause] ja the back hand was loose but how did he pick that up yeah I was just saying aot you saw him yesterday he’ win shots it wasn’t the entire game he’d win shots and he put his arms out in celebration he was he was playing up to the crowd you just don’t see that from him normally no and you should you should have seen the reception he had last night at the hotel there were so many fans waiting for him all I I happen to pass through the lobby before you guys all back and I did see it it’s incredible fist is going he’s looking at the bench got fist he’s really really happy at the moment he leads by four not quite the bigest big lead as he had in the previous game which he won he’s in good shape at the moment Victor axelon [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] 11 7 [Music] 8 so four points now that shouldn’t be a problem for liy Jer given that he almost whittel down a seven-point lead to just one earlier on S he’s he seems to look a little exasperated at the moment Bobby squeezing a bit too tight there’s been a few mistakes from Lee and he’s not really under huge pressure in the rally yes he had that scen top but some of these net shots that he’s missing he just Laing a bit of touch he talking about Li G in comparison to axelon he got to the quarters of the Asian championships probably felt lots of Jonathan Christie there yeah but he’s he’s the man who’s in the form at the moment lost in the second round in the Swiss open kadami all England he was out in the quarters soen French Open out in the first round to Magnus johanneson Indonesia Masters qu Brian Yang beat him but he had to retire that [Music] [Applause] one quality again these net shots another mistake that’s the difference today really Le sort of in the rally or even on top of the rally at times and making errors six points now similar to where we were in the last game just to complete things here quarterfinals of the open lost to C aroka and the Malaysia open was out in the opening round to luk Wang 2 so bit of a mixed bag this year for Ley ja but he has brought himself back into the top 10 which I think was crucial for [Applause] [Music] [Applause] him good black hand from Maxon [Applause] [Music] it’s in tremendous from the Malaysians he that didn’t quite badly given the situation at the moment remember it was 158 in the last game and he got to 145 he needs something like that now he’s not playing within himself at all e here backhand drive that set up the smash caught the tape it could have easily gone in the net like so many of them have and he hit the line with the smash I mean he’s looking for Perfection and whilst that one came off I’m not sure it’s the best T percentages here AR a little bit you need to against [Applause] ax high risk High reward 15 he’s losing though yeah he is right very similar to where we were 59 at axelon sails over up 10 [Music] 15 shot Le 16 10 [Applause] [Music] the forc ER really racking up for lizy J [Applause] here Danish coaches must be thrilled with this so far real strong likelihood now as going to take the matching uh straight games and games mean things too don’t they because when things get tied up in the group and you’re level with another country it’s all about games one and the head-to-head between each other brilliantes well my instinct was that was in the line is out let’s see now the fact that his challenge makes me feel better [Applause] anyway out one challenge remaining thank you [Music] 11 17 it’s a long long way to climb here for Li [Music] ja pretty decent job in the last game narrowing that lead he has to do something better here you feel he got to stay in the match 18 11 I the as well the margin of Victory as well not just obviously a but looks good it was in and there was a slip from a I’m glad he’s all right you could easily get injured or something like that it’s massive in team events that yeah to set the tone for the rest of this m of this tie that’s exactly right you can carry that momentum into the next match we’ve got Astro rasmason versus cheer and so next right now again that is a brilliant match up really exed one the malan probably the final of world Champs cheer and so potentially on their day one the best players in the world and former world champions is a and destroys Lee here which he looks like he might yeah then just builds that momentum look what we can do you know and that take that into the next match 13 18 [Applause] it’s clever from Ax he’ll be pleased with that because he’s he’s calming down he’s choosing the shots he’s taking a bit more time and playing quality shots like this double action up the line over the top of Le who struggles and that again that’s as important as hitting the floor with a big smash that’s o I thought that was instinctively I thought that was out but good last chance for Le’s here I think yeah needs a run of points now was mounting a challenge here [Applause] [Music] [Applause] 19 yeah the cross lift from a just a B too flat didn’t get the height he [Applause] wanted as well twice in left huge now three points in it the pace at which they’re restarting these rallies unbelievable tell you what 17 NK again he is showing that fight but is it coming a little too late that’s see that net shot there from Lee much more control took less of a margin of error and he’s on Top This is brilliant what a comeback Five Points in a row well we said now or never and he did it this is going to take some guts I don’t believe it this is a remarkable fightback from lezy J it was 1913 oh time yeah I think he’s missed he had to challeng he had to yeah wow that was after a fantastic R out as we as we thought it was UN we have got a match point one CH remaining but again similarly while it’s great to maybe thrash your opponent if you put on a stirring fight back like that from Le just yeah that also helps morale doesn’t it it does certainly Match Point here we go big moment [Applause] here flick serve he’s missed oh it’s out do you know what I found interesting and we were talking about it earlier Le came back on six points in a row not one of those was he going for lines going for you know his best amount of power he played to control badminton and that’s what we were asking him to do throughout the match rather than the percentages absolutely yeah 21 again second match point for Victor axelon [Music] [Applause] that’s clever good recovery from [Music] [Applause] Anon brilliant rally it’s going wide what a fantastic point there a saver between these two Rey manakai and the Malaysian team looking on [Applause] he’s been playing with fire for a game and a half Le’s year and to to me he paid the price and now he’s playing his best bmon he’s playing with control and he’s in the match needs to keep this up I’d love a f I really would it’s been so good isn’t it another one another game oh just RI that back quickly and axelon sets up his third Match Point all his teammates up on their feet that was brilliant I think these year hoped for a bit more quality off that SM back lift aelon had read it really well and got there early another match point Thank you fine fine margins Match Point number three for Victor axelon buing renion oh what the time to be doing that I don’t think we’ve seen him miss the serve until that moment wow 22 all he’s on his knees Le sh that’s oh he’s oh that’s a fantastic Point how Earth they retrieve some of those some of those mat shots years on his knees at one point I thought it was over an AIS and SLS it off the floor just an incredible level do you know what Bobby as you said I don’t want this to end another game would be a treat for everyone wouldn’t it not of these two would agree or definitely easy jail [Applause] wouldn’t Match Point number [Applause] four he’s gone long oh and he’s done it eventually he gets there reaction from a huge huge reaction from him because it’s a massive win for axelon and Denmark if there was a question of whether the Thomas cup matters to axelon that reaction right there by Denmark proves that it does 16 24 did say 22 I’m always showing that no matter what the strength of character I’m always there to do my best for my country and the team and this time it’s no different well he changed things up here Le’s year we haven’t seen him punch clear within plenty of time on the shuttle to that point perhaps got a bit too conservative at the end but axelon well fully deserved he was more control throughout the entire match from it that was a huge win now Denmark in the lead but stirring stuff from Ley J as well as we look back at the score line Victor axelson beats Li Jia 2116 2422 he’s done it in 45 absorbing minutes of badminton [Music] coming up then it’s that men’s doubles we talked about AST and rasers take on CH so [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] well the fans have certainly been enjoying themselves in jungu and certainly one the best things known about this place is the panda Reserve something that a lot of us are looking forward to doing uh where they really know how to conserve to preserve these wonderful animals in fact news just about a week ago that uh a couple of those panda bears are going from China to the United States fantastic here from Victor axelon the entertainment he provided with Ley G two Z that win it’s given Denmark a one Z lead here against Malaysia and now we have men’s doubles this one can also be a really tight Affair as Kim asop and Anders Scarab rosmon take on Aron and so weik of Malaysia [Music] opponents that know each other very very well indeed crucial here for Malaysia to pull it back draw level in this tie Bobby Griffin here with me uh just catching our breath but we after what was a match that lived up to expectations and this one is another mouthwatering tie isn’t it yeah this one really is um a I don’t want to jump the gun too quickly on the head-to-head stats but they’re very evenly matched they’ve never met on a Sunday which surprises me you know they’ve never met in a final which it does change things the last time they met was at the Denmark open which naturally AST and rasmon would be you know desperate to win it went the distance but the Malaysians you know had a little bit more on the day that for me kind of gives them the slight Edge perhaps in this match just to be able to do it when it really matters and obviously you’re hearing the big team of event Le year has not quite done it but it was so close that did set the tone that match I think because if we’d have seen a a complete disaster for Le or if as just ran away with it it would have been demoralizing for the Malaysians I think the Malaysians are going to be up for this yeah I totally agree with the way he fought back there Ley J just G him that little extra boost perhaps which is in the match of fine margins what you might me now talking that head to head so Lee six three against ason the last time was at Denmark open semi-finals won in three they won the last two you have to go back to 2022 at the world tour finals when Ash and rasmuson won that was in straight games we’ll find out a little bit more about these players now h [Applause] here’s first up and he’s won World Championship silver medal in 23 and a bronze in 2021 and four medals in the Thomas Scupper gold in 2016 of course he was part of that amazing team 32 years of age now and he’s just over 6’1 his partner scar rasmason as long-term partner was there at the world champs as well in 23 and 21 as well as those Thomas cup triumphs dating back to 2016 that gold and then three bronzes after that European games Champions 2023 35 and a little bit taller at 189 they are currently world number four though they were world number three late last year uh these are their results so far they’ve won both their matches very comfortable both under half an hour former European current European Champions I should say as well now time for the Malaysians who have got plenty of experience themselves Aon Cher is 27 he’s from malaka Central Malaysia is currently fifth they were up to number two at the beginning [Applause] of and there’s his part so there memorably got the bronze medal at the last Olympics he’s 26 on the capital qu lumo is 6′ one 6 foot I should say world champion of course in 2022 and they got a bronze last year in Copenhagen they didn’t play against Algeria but they had a comfortable time of it against the Hong Kong pair of Law and young uh and in terms of titles on the uh World Tour the one from the Denmark open last year the runners up by the all England weren’t they just last month losing to fa alfan and Muhammad Rian aranto and looking at the Danes in terms of titles won seven on the world tour most recently the French Open last year but van henck from Belgium is our umpire we’ll be ay assisted by our service judge new from [Music] [Applause] [Music] China ladies and gentlemen of my right Malaysia represented by Aaron Shia and suik and on my left Denmark represented by Kim and under scar rasmusen Malaysia to serve [Music] [Applause] Aria I think that’s theone has fast and fenetic Stu from these two PA again there’s so many things we can talk about in relation to these four men in relation to their Thomas Cup history I mentioned at the top of the show how Denmark have been so close to much better performances and and many more Thomas cup titles and things like that take yourself back two years to the Thomas Cup last time India won right right semifinals India Denmark okay I’m sat with steam Pon former National head coach of Denmark and co- commentator with us the night before talking to him about how are Denmark going to set up for that match they set up the way they did they changed things around they changed a few pairs Kim as was paired up with Matias Christiansen for the semi-final they lost 2220 in the third who obviously we know how much they’ve been doing over the last year or two played but he played with so guard they came through they were playing against a slightly weaker Indian pair but that result 22 23rd could have could have me the win could have put Denmark in the final Denmark could have beaten Indonesia in the final with their singles lineup and we’ve been talking about these are the margins yeah dous title holders you know so it’s just that why question is why have that change appearance [Music] 3 two India’s men’s singles lineup at the time was good uh kambi strick beat Anon L sen was you know higher R in the world at that time they’ve got py coming out third that was that is tough wow um what that meant on the day was that they had to win both doubles yeah and if you’d have left as together we second dou probably have lost so [Music] yeah that’s what we’re talking about the permutations and and looking it through down the whole R this entire tie whoever wins is going to win the group those group winners are going to avoid one of the more top season in the next round of the quarterfinals and semi-finals potentially it changes everything correct you know if you come second in this group you end up playing China or Indonesia next and that’s your autoscope over correct probably it’s what you’re looking to avoid is why there’s so much hanging on this oh oh she is just all over that net [Music] oh four all good fck it was interesting just last month the five four request was so to improve in their ranking to get a bit seeding for the Olympics given that Target and they to do that they had to get into the top four the Asian championships which they did so they feel pretty happy about [Music] that well you can understand the request I mean they’re capable of you know they won the all England this year they havn’t won a title on the world tour prior to that ever not even a super 100 300 500 nothing I’m I’m talking about the world champions or former world champions that in itself as a St is osing because if you’re capable of that level to win a World Championships yeah they just fell short at all England I was it just just losing out to S Al and was the final wasn’t it yeah fin unfortunately but look they’ve had a pretty decent [Music] year forgive me Denmark open I was talking about you know it’s still a top top level event they came through to win it and yet you know they’d won a World Championships prior to that how on Earth is that possible that they not won more tourament on that road to those achievements it’s a string of runner-up finishes rasmon up by two here there well worth a shot perap chall out for the challenge [Applause] challenge unsuccessful One Challenge remaining Ser over 6 7 late yeah top four seaing in Paris of course helps them avoid having to play any of the current leading pairs at the quarterfinal stage in Paris so I think they’ll be pretty happy with that [Applause] [Music] [Applause] terrific defense from the D so good clever but under the net I thought that hit a winner for a [Applause] second away rason was covering for his partner yeah they’ve got to continually G GH points at all these tournaments seedings are based on results up to July 2nd so right now they put themselves in a [Applause] position I think he’s broken the string AR here sounds like it he was tempted halfway through that R to run off and change bracket yeah [Applause] 97 it’s it’s a tough call isn’t it that one more off from the not they take the risk run off I think it just depends how quick you are but your opponent’s also know what’s going on so there yeah looking to the amount of times we’ve seen it players run off to change a racket and come back and his partner or her partner still there battling on it’s possible yeah doesn’t happen in single do all that [Applause] often from AR chy [Applause] [Music] [Applause] for that corner didn’t he yeah deceptive too really good quality [Applause] lovely from means that they go into the interval here the Danes with a three-point lead which could prove vital it’s 118 in this opening game AR so that’s a just a sign of creativity and calmness Under Pressure there AST [Applause] thank you [Applause] they said uh as rasmuson that they really enjoy playing CH 11 they said they’ve had some fun matches against them in the past cuz it’s fast and furious and always extremely intense when they play against each other so they said if they they’re ready for it look at that that’s the reason why you know AST has stupped up the court in defense been a concerted strategy change over the course of maybe the last 9 to 12 months and it’s given them rise to their ranking and their performances when he does it and gets caught out his Partners there so they’re so well rehearsed they’re so well practiced at that kind of strategy and it’s exactly what she and have been doing through their entire career so is that mid battle is that four battle that both of these plays do so well lots of chat between the coach D coach and the players we talking about ranking points for these pairs and on the last sort of summer autumn as and rasmuson were in the form of their lives They just won the Canada open right um European games obviously they they went on to do so well at the World Championships they made the final um and then stopon attracts in Denmark right W in h they won in Finland third in Denmark at but by these guys who lock them out that’s right but in Japan in the middle of all of that top quality form Kim as’s wife was having a baby they went home at the end of the um for the quarterfinals I think it was and they were probably favorites the event the event got under way have they won that they’d be they’d be ahead of rank right now who obviously top of the world that’s the sort of we talking about you can’t legislate for that sort of thing to happen [Applause] right still lots of points to play for they’ll be also looking for good performances between now and July 2nd the D good performances they are leading by three here that’s aot left it falling in [Music] [Applause] 113 trying to get lucky there I think rasmon [Applause] the serve I think caught the net on the way through 13 just fractionally hopped over rasmus’s racket only a point in it now [Applause] that is good Channel attacking and as always they’re trying to get Kim asra into that net as early as possible in the rally superb defense yeah very well Malayan hanging in there oh [Applause] that yeah very good Malaysians get themselves in it for as long as possible 15 GR [Applause] for they haven’t quite you mentioned just amazing their results were last last year the Danes and fortunately haven’t been able to recapture That Glory this year though they are the European Champions almost non wasn’t it from [Applause] [Music] so 13 16 yeah I’d argue that sort of Head and Shoulders above most if not all the rest of the pairs in Europe at this moment yeah well certainly over the course of the last N9 months yeah you know losing the second round of the all England against Super K A match they would probably think that’s when we ought to be winning FR got to the quarterfinals you’re playing po go byash that’s not easy l in the final Masters it’s a best performance so far in the world T event this year got to the coures of the India open and losing to on and Yi second round of the Malaysia open that’s a a talking point as well on and not 17 dou [Applause] again I think the Malaysians were doing something similar last time in the Tas C I’m pretty sure a here played with to um in their is it the quarterfinal or the semi I think it’s quarter final they lost to India and again gamble to try and make sure they get to a deciding match [Music] so just a point in it now as astop and rasmuson leading by [Applause] one big one there for 186 got to the 7 he’s got Bronze in the Asia championships [Applause] fin at all Eng semi-finalist in India finalist missed well we’re going to have a challenge here challenges called out well it will be game points don’t win this challenge what gut feeli I thought it was out personally and you are right very very much out played pace which makes it a little bit more difficult to judge but the line judge was straight away 16 so we have uh four game points here for the Danes one down three to go as far as Le Malaysians are concerned 17 so the first game then wrapped up by the Danes here from them 21 17 pretty close overall for you Bobby it’s um yeah the score had it another round I don’t think I would have been that surprised it was just an even bassle and there’s that exciting four Court challenge the whole time um yeah who knows where this is going yet it’s top level take the first game against for [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] 20 seconds 42 20 seconds lots of discussion going [Applause] [Music] on D having taken the first second game L late [Music] as did well to get out of the way for his partner [Applause] then one that was a confident leave 1 [Music] [Music] oh similarly rason you felt overall that this near end to us is the the slightly easier or is it marginal it’s more noticeable in singles right doubles I don’t think it yeah yeah there’s not that amount of um back to front or front to back DFT to matter sometimes in doubles and particularly in women’s doubles there’s a more aggressive end and you can hit through or it’s easier to defend into the rear spaces for example depending on which way you prefer in men’s doubles it’s so much happens on the first three or four shots and so much happens on that sort of mid Court to four Court area that the pace of the shuttle doesn’t [Applause] matter calling a service vault okay I don’t think so will you particularly happy about it there okay as you said the Umpire is it stops him there’s no there’s no point arguing the point it’s good for [Music] B great reaction down clever from rasmon trying to go over the top this is superb so good off the body these four finishes it off he kept it alive earlier L rally at 40 shots how long did it take though to get through the G their defense today has been brilliant it’s just that one shot from R from as at the end as not even trying to hit through building the rally until he can get back into the for court just out patience from [Applause] the very loud clear instructions being barked out there yeah let’s hope the Malaysians don’t speak Danish well you can uh earlier on we could barely hear yourself thinking in this Arena but uh a quieter now [Applause] is quit from Astra a little fake out from Aaron at the last [Applause] second not sure was on camera we’ll see it here I [Applause] think yeah you just don’t want to get that wrong though do you catch it by accident be quite embarrassing would it [Applause] good defense again set up with that defense wasn’t it sort of strangling the life out of the attack of the Malaysians so they end up having to try and find the back line eventually and if they squeeze a bit tight bit too much adrenaline maybe they go out the back and they’ve done it a few times the tricky start from Mar that was [Music] [Applause] [Music] beautiful similar tight start to the second game in the first [Music] now yeah cheer again [Music] here putting pressure on that [Applause] net first basis ire line judge [Applause] [Music] Denmark win this they take a two lead that really puts tremendous pressure on the Malaysians that’s why this is so important isn’t it this second [Applause] match yeah I mean the third match is probably the one that you rely on more than most I think annna anenson versus the young jow is the form that an son’s in have [Music] to gets away with that rasmason been trading points so far no one able to get B grip yet in his second game s six at s all in the last game it was the D who led all the way through till the end let’s see what happens here in the second game went for it six it’s a good quality serve from so oh what a shot Lely Touch of slice it brought the shutle down really steeply and I think Aaron backed himself right up in defense thinking it’s just going to come with power almost hit the service [Applause] line it’s coming at that height from isn’t it difficult that’s not coming back as [Music] [Applause] oh 9 8 [Applause] [Music] [Music] the string with the [Music] finish a good start to the attack from so and AR takes over at the net angle [Applause] [Music] M leading by two [Applause] Cho brilliant shot Kim [Music] [Applause] as 10 the lift for Just a Touch short they had [Music] [Applause] options got touch on that asra and it means that we going to this interval of the second game with ch so just in front by two the D have won that first game bit of a communication breakdown here Astra rushes to net thinking his partner is going to lay it off and in says he fires back with the drive sort of sold that AST up the river really [Music] [Applause] [Applause] 119 [Applause] [Applause] we talked about how it’s been a good few months so they uh said that they’ve been undergoing a new training program with the Olympics in mind whatever it’s been doing seems to be helping them here again in front and then just squeezes the rally suffocating the Danes here one shot [Music] B smash from [Applause] [Music] Ras 11 12 [Music] [Applause] [Applause] can’t afford too many of those here happy the D it’s all square again [Music] [Music] 13 and now back in [Applause] front to China and the Asia Team Championships earlier this year in the final big smash that set that up 13 a great rivalry between these two players isn’t it yeah I mean they’re currently fourth and cth in the world rankings their last six meetings I know you said it was 63 in the head-to-head but um three of those were going back before 2019 where cheer and so arguably were quite an established the last six been three even it’s no surprise the dames have said how much they enjoy playing against them see intensity of it all in this match [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Malaysia did well to get the attack [Applause] back be a useful two-point pushing here for [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] them would say something wouldn’t it if the Danes win this two that’s two straight games victories for Denmark wow if they went it in three it would be terrific result for them wouldn’t itans making a very good fight of it here in the second now up by three [Applause] [Music] sh just out that’s just chaos [Applause] crucial points here for the D only throw by one now shouldn’t have missed this so let the D back [Applause] in 16 good shot from [Applause] Ron however it’s penultimate shot it wasn’t he’s one to put away there it’s the wrong shot from Ras and he uh stitched himself up there he went for too much power couldn’t cover defense from the [Music] malians very tight this game usually the D use their sort of you know one to left hand a rander so the whole Lefty righty combination you can use that to to a massive Advantage but as as’s left-handed if rasmon smashes like that from the other side of the Court Tak a forand on the makes sense can’t do the other way [Music] around [Music] anyway they C there playing her a vital role in that point as far as the relations are concerned under the C now the Danes yeah 1960 this is huge now this moment this juncture for the Malaysians to try and press home and push this to a third play again and the flick serve didn’t quite P [Applause] [Applause] out we’ve got three game points here for the Malaysians 20 G Point 17 [Applause] that was so important for Malaysia to pull things back here keep this match alive in terms of the tie as well one game Haron has been terrific throughout game two defensively but also just putting that pressure on the nest at the right time he was the Difference Maker to me then so the second game goes to CH so it is one all now in this match [Applause] my fore [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] final game [Music] l so that comes down then to this third game whoever wins it could change the complexion of this tie would mean it’s one all overall if Malaysia do win this otherwise two Z to Denmark that you think could be pivotal in the rest of this time given Anders Anderson is a big favorite in the next match Oh I thought that might have just cut the line there that’s why it’s being challenged by the Malaysians [Music] it gets to a point where every Point counts whether it’s 19 all or one all doesn’t it and uh whoever wins this needs to make sure they make the most of it challenge unsuccessful One Challenge remaining just out isn’t it yeah I think we’re going to see as you and I saw in that last match the uh the players reactions Lizzy J particularly 31 well I think so drove the shuttle into his partner’s body and I’m not sure what that was fromon but got their game faces on here oh yes yeah puts head away nicely good start here for the Dame [Applause] excellent from from R oh what rason really giving it the vocals last three rallies the characters these two some of the celebrations have been hilarious to watch [Applause] [Music] there stretched he almost made it yeah [Applause] [Music] three good reaction there teammates what being told to the plays [Applause] defense again but not quite enough R couldn’t get there again four it’s been a nice little run here for the Malaysians on three in a row [Applause] it’s good shot again he uses that drop shot so well look how close it was to the net when it landed no chance for rason [Applause] other oh what touch from Kim asra so we yet kept that alive earlier on in the P 6 four [Applause] [Music] just as a m was a creeping up on them just to open up a lead again oh good him so the net yeah through the [Applause] net that cor just getting the better of Kim asra this is fast fenetic stuff so much at stake as well [Applause] [Music] oh disappointing on the serve second time that’s happen in the tie today one for Malaysia one for Denmark [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] big discussion here before get things underway we’re all square [Applause] again I get the feeling the momentums with the Malaysians right now they seem a bit tense the d s of a sudden he says AST plays the perfect net [Applause] [Music] shot always difficult when those happen to [Music] Tumble yeah there’s no luck involved there either that is just perfect MP 8 alterating right now remember it was uh decent lead [Applause] 51 good drive aronia trying to assert himself in a forour just a bit too close to the net this time for for the Malaysians s that 51 lead for the Dan [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] 10 I shouldn’t have missed that I love the way the two teams are sat next to each other just behind the court as well yeah there’s always a little bit going on there yeah in left it in the AR chair and it means at the interval here in this third game and rason lead by three it’s 118 [Applause] [Music] [Applause] 4 two 20 seconds [Applause] [Music] [Applause] oh he’s broken the string he still com through it [Applause] [Music] 11 no hesitancy just follows it in Relentless whatever happens broken racket or not the point’s more important [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] good defense oh intervention there tell you what he was looking for that he knew what he was going to do before he hit the first shot the penultimate shot and then he was looking for the next one St brilliant from [Music] kastra themselves in the hunt being that so called Striking Distance only a few points between them going the [Applause] [Music] way second time that’s happened in this game alone [Music] more than three points ahead at the moment the D since that early lead that they enjoyed might just have a stinging the tail this one you know he thought about it didn’t he I’m not sure if he deliberately left this 14 too close to the to make a call surely I think he don’t think they had it covered if it was in serve again quality from R looks simple but it really is that shuttle has to die and go back downwards after it goes over the net otherwise as’s in a really good position well they’ve at least maintained a two-point lead for some time the D but now only one point in it pressure building up again [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] every time he make a little forward motion the Malaysians have to either go over him or past him it’s so difficult just his movement alone forces them into difficult shots what looks like an easy mistake from AR here really isn’t he’s under too much pressure from the fact as just stood there right in the middle [Music] Shot Change of angle from here he went slightly wider than you would normally and Ron wasn’t quite ready back to just one point in it [Applause] [Music] f [Applause] f c Under Pressure there take the pace off the shuttle level since we were at eight all [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] thank you [Music] [Applause] I but we knew it be a close one didn’t we 15 on the third it’s proving to be the case and it’s just the third time in this game that the malians have been in front and on both occasions they lost that lead Within by the next point and they hold on to it yes they can it literally could be the Turning Point yeah frustrating considering everything he’s got back in games one and two and all the way through this one again no they’re saying they weren’t ready well there’s a little debate here about the foot stamping of [Music] AR what do you feel about that about the whole shouting in Direction nonsense it’s a gladiator sport isn’t it these opposition these players they’re athletes strong in the gy they’re not bothered about someone standing out 19 well look in the uh in this game I mean the Danes have led for 90% of this game f Ser it’s a ace and it’s as looks at the service judge is asking for a fault because did you call [Applause] Ault well I didn’t hear that let’s see what H says here St away here come here come here okay so he’s calling over for clarification judge yeah and he’s going to say did she call it oh service fault then was it Serv fault too high wait so hold on is it a line call no I think she’s saying he spun the shuttle as it left his hand which is now legal move yes as of last [Music] year yeah so Aon she is getting clarification too I I asked clarifying and she called and she said it was a spin that’s okay so SP spin is a how can it be a no thatt Jud that’s good Gooding so she called the last like this high so just to clarify aaronia doesn’t think heed in any way the spinning Ser is now illegal service here we go let’s have a look it was a flick surve down the line down the middle guys guys got to say I could say any spinning not sure I saw the are this is a crucial Point as well well she wasn’t faulted faulting AR here for high no high I thought I thought that was what it was originally but it wasn’t but they didn’t look to be moves because you normally have to do something with your fingers on release that would have been Match Point yeah they would have gone to 20 wow if the Dan come back here this is really a talking point oh as missed oh that was a chge wasn’t it now it’s four match points for the Malaysians well they can relax now and and in truth I didn’t think there was much wrong with that serve it was a good serve AST jump it it flipped over his head he gambled got it wrong it’s still Match Point huge huge point there for Malaysia massive for them and uh slightly contentious ending perhaps to what’s been an overall entertaining match there not sure as’s complaining about now I don’t I don’t know he pointed to his t-shirt and asked her if she wanted a cookie perhaps that’s the sponsor I think I don’t know Aaron Che today for me was brilliant was solid 216 just that little bit better than the Danes when it mattered again going back to the point that they were leading the Danes for most of that game and when it mattered the Malaysians came through and put on a fantastic run six points on the trot when they were trailing at [Music] 1512 so Aaron CH soik defeat Kim asup and Anders Scott brason 1721 2117 2116 they’ve done it in just over an hour and we have got a tie on our hands [Music] now up next it’s back to men singles Anders Anderson of Denmark takes on Malaysia Jun [Music] [Applause] [Music] w [Music] the fans have been streaming in here to the high-tech Zone sports Stadium it has been a fantastic ride over the last few days in fact it’s pretty much a sellout here it is the eve of a public holiday and in fact golden week is coming up which is a huge week of uh traveling around for the Chinese population so they’ve been coming in great numbers China in action this evening here as well and uh they’re also keeping an eye on what’s Happening Here on court 2 because Malaysia and Denmark are serving up quite the Feast for us it is one all at the moment in their Thomas Cup tie and we now move to the second men’s singles for a tie now at 1 it is Anders antonson of Denmark taking on Malaysia’s L junha that match is up next [Music] and as our players make their way into this magnificent Arena Bobby Griffin here with me in the commentary position overlooking these fantastic courts uh Bobby we’ve really enjoyed the last two we we said there were toss-ups and so it’s proved this one though there is a different feel to it let’s be honest yeah on paper at least sson the strong favorite number four in the world he’s having an incredible uh year at the moment and uh Leong Jun how his you know late 30s in the world rankings he’s he’s not had the same results he’s not had the same performances it’s a slight mismatch in terms of the level we’re looking at yeah um that being said we’ve seen some terrific upsets already this week um czechia put one over over um Chinese Taipei for example um we saw we saw Japan struggle against the Cs as well on day one with a couple of games that went the wrong way who knows it’s the Thomas Cup who that [Music] so a little quick warm up as we find out a bit more about Anders antonson who’s a world champion civil medalist back in 2019 he’s won two bronzes since then in 21 and 23 he’s won three bronzes with Denmark in the Thomas Cup 2018 21 and 22 he’s now 27 years of age about 6′ tall currently fourth in the world he has been a world number two back in September of 2022 he’s a current European Champion as well he’s a former European games winner as well and he is having a very good 2024 carong he beat as well as YF medell his two matches thus far both straightforward uh he’s already won the Malaysia open Indonesia Masters this year and he’s got six titles on the world tour to his name long Jun how has won Gold with the Asia Team Championships in 2022 a couple of Silvers in 21 and earlier this year he is 24 years of age shorter than his opponent at 172 from the capital quo and he is currently 37th though he’s not too far away from his highest ranking late last year he’s got a bronze and men’s singles in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last year as well in a a runner up at the World Junior Championships in 2017 didn’t play against Algeria and actually beat angerson Carlo that was a stirring win wasn’t it against a high ranked player that took just over an hour so he’s got two titles to his name both super 100s the Indonesia Masters and 22 and last year the Malaysia Masters ready but uh yeah as mentioned by Cy this on paper at least looks a mismatch it’s a shame that um there’s no one SE on for Malaysia Today he would have been coming in at second singles I absolutely no doubt yes you know he had that operation and then I think he got some sort of bug or an illness in recovery from the operation that set him back as well which is a real shame for him we look at the third singles though as well no challenging way yeah that’s the other talking point which I’m sure we’ll get to yeah umire Ben from CH eight saw of Italy but yes the removal of anong and you don’t have chin way playing it all kinds of different permutations have being made onong would have been a stiffer Challenge on paper again to uh to Anders anenson and then you’ve looking at the [Music] coming a little more so all this comes into play of [Applause] course J is he’s been performing was a different animal when it comes to team competitions beting that world number 27 as I mentioned in car [Applause] long ladies and gentlemen am I right dmark represented by Anderson Anderson and on my left Malaysia represented by linal Malaysia to serve L more [Music] [Music] TR we did say that something about team events draws the very best out of him he loves the spirit of the team he’s a family he always wants to fight hard and do his best for the team he loves the support from his teammates and Spurs him on that helped him with his comeback against long good time for us here today because um he he could use a little bit extra he’s going to need it against and the fact that they’ve just gone one all now there’s that little boost isn’t there as well whatever happens in this one how much pressure is going to be on the next men’s double cuz it’ll be to one to one of the teams next match is for the win potentially right enough to upset the here now [Applause] out that’s good it’s good from Anson throughout the rally he’s got time on the shuttle and he’s just choosing and picking his shots [Applause] [Music] wisely staying patient though Leon the opportunity to uh try and smash try and inject some [Applause] [Music] Pace wonderful from this is magical of movements sends Leong the wrong way thinks he’s going for a net shot straight over his head got serving a lot today andon already [Music] stages good defense that was behind him I think what kind of mentioned it he likes kind of going under the radar he says the attentions on Ley J and the doubles particularly double pair we just saw double SP we saw so for him to win against un carong was sort of a bonus and I think he’s quite likes not having the spotlight on him though you can’t really hide in a Thomas cup everyone’s match is so crucial I know it’s a very strange kind of aspect to it in that let’s say you’re Victor axelon you’d love to be playing at five they should reverse it you know so should the tie go too or then I can have the deci the pressure on the top that’s a fair point they should reverse it in the group stages because you’re playing Five no matter what yeah yeah true and then you know the pressures on the guys that are equally matched at the top where some of these teams that have don’t have the strength in depth like Indonesia or poent Denmark if it’s too all let’s say all the pressure is going to go on Justin Hoe who’s what 18 18 years old that’s tough isn’t it it’s really tough imagine not being able to come through for your nation and your Junior coming through you know the pressure hold that thought because we might be going down that route later on tonight yeah but that’s actually an interesting uh interesting suggestion uh we’re going to put that in the the old suggestions box on the way out well the problem is when you get to the knockout stages first to three wins well then you flip it then don’t you flip it black yeah I guess I guess we should be running this I’ll be back in a minute have a chat with someone [Applause] [Applause] oh delicate just long the end from Anders Anon what are the attributes you like of about Anders Anson what’s going on here with the Umpire oh he’s giving Anon the typical daily stop walking off between points chat you know and anerson always looks at the Umpire as if who’s never heard it before what do you mean what do you me me what who me um an attributes I mean when he was a junior player he’s actually very small for his age so he’s playing at sort of mid 13 14 15 years old he I’m talking time you know compared to other Dan and other Europeans that were already maturing so he developed this incredible defense from all sorts of awkward positions the shuttle’s always behind him he’s deep in the rear corner and he can pull shots out that you know others don’t seem to be able to do very often he does it all the time so so he’s got that ability nowadays he’s a big strong guy he’s got as well but he’s also very very consistent you don’t see him making silly mistakes all that often his courtcraft is rise up there as well he’s a very clever player you know he’s Danish which means he’s got decent singles players to play against weeking weekend out you look at the other European nations they don’t necessarily Happ so they’re able to sort of maintain us sustain a world position if you like they’ve got that strength and [Applause] depth you you told me uh before we started today that you feel he’s great shout for a medal at the Olympics and yeah we talked at the top of the show about there’s got to be people in this event that have got at least half an eye on Paris yeah and especially when you’re looking at Nations where you’ve got the odd superstar that one sorry yeah perhaps you’re not going to win the Thomas cup you look at Chinese T they got a few good good players they haven’t got the strength and depth to compete with Indonesia or China or career in the women’s or something like that ch’s got a last Harrah perhaps at the Olympics and outside bet so if you’re chatting Chen and you’re playing in the Thomas Cup this week [Applause] are you really you know prioritizing that over anything else that’s going to come in the next few months and what’s happening in the next few months so you’re going to have half a mind on that and your training and your development and what’s going to happen in this period you look at Players like Justin H that are coming in as a teenager now for Malaysia at third singles here he’s not going to the Olympics he’s not going to win an Olympic medal or a gold medal he’s going to be here right here this week for his country and perhaps that’s you know part of the reason why he’s getting a Shell [Applause] point it’s over 96 [Music] [Music] [Applause] big cross smash from antonson great defense from [Music] thees It [Applause] Wide how many times have missed the court so far I can’t count many correct that’s one of his attributes he says he’s so [Applause] consistent 11 interval yeah a great start here from Anders antonsson in this third match in his opening game he has an 116 lead [Applause] [Music] just caught snatches of that from coach to [Music] Yun yesterday when he was with the Malaysian women he was keep telling them to to be brave and they were up against it it’s going wi surely looked like it didn’t it against Thailand play today it’s a it’s a different sort of message it’s be aggressive be confident 11 it’s a good message against this opponent and against this team because you can’t be dominated can you you don’t want to be dominated by them that’s the thing they’re higher ranked in almost every [Music] aspect and if you’re a bit passive you’re trying to play consistent long rallies in the end you’re going to get beaten by that’s one way to end the rally isn’t it from L now terrific smash got up early the steepness beat [Music] [Applause] [Music] Anson not sure about the headband today Shazad it’s a bit of a mismatch with the rest of the uh the kitties wearing I think the red and white one would have been better wouldn’t it or red or white well I’m color blind so I I’ll go with what you’re saying oh really yes okay oh that’s disappointing for Leon good position there he might have just broken the string as well Anderson told to stay on court [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] 128 he clever from m [Music] well he’s he’s not afraid to play those shots how he’s finding his opportunity he’s doing exactly what the coach said he gets half a chance and he goes for it he keeps it in he’s putting Anon under real pressure antonson possibly guilty of being a bit too conservative thinking he’s just going to out rally the guy isn’t it the case now we’re looking at let’s face it he is the underdog right long now on paper if you play normal way you play you’re not going to win I mean stats would show that right hope if if anerson plays at his standard YH plays at his standard Anderson will win it you’ve got to do something a little different you’ve got to yeah take it to play on the front foot I guess yeah I see what you mean I think I think everyone’s got attributes there’s going to be you look at axelon for example he’s got the head-to-head record over pretty much everyone has ever played except Kento Mot so where it’s head toad record is something ridiculous like 141 down or something or I can’t remember the numbers but it it is and so playing Styles come into it and so there might be a higher ranked player that just doesn’t like the way style yeah the lower ranked opponent plays and so it’s a lot more of an even match I think I think hon and players that are sort of in the top five maybe even top 10 these days of men singles are so good that they can adjust and adapt and and cope with anything it’s the players outside of that that perhaps are limited in their ability to adjust they’re so sort of set in their ways or they’re only trained in in one way right um I just don’t know how um how Leong don’t know enough about him really I just think he he needs to be aggressive today he needs to take it to the D which he’s done from time to time yeah he’s doing well [Applause] have killed it there yeah had a chance didn’t he opt it out of it opportunity not taken by liong and it’s now a fivepoint lead for Anon see how close he gets to see that shot where he’s at the net yeah it was a bit before that in the rally wasn’t it and he came and he could have push on the floor new is that a confidence thing to to when you when you think you should be killing it but you not it might have been we didn’t get the best angle of it but it might have been that Anon shot quality was luckily that good that he couldn’t kill it right I’m now hearing the word brave which we I heard a lot yesterday by coach gendrin with the Malaysian women be brave [Music] good jot this is running away from Leong now tall Manon and able to get up early onto this and create that steep angle [Applause] another flick surve from anaz [Applause] [Music] anenson wipping eight points now he’s on cruise control here Anon yeah you’re absolutely right this already looks this Gap four gone conclusion from what you’re seeing already from longen how you think he need to do in the second game [Laughter] 18 it’s a difficult question I mean it’s tough isn’t it right now against a superior player like this I mean there there there are things you can do there’s gamesmanship you get the chance to serve you can try and frustrate antonson annoy him you can he doesn’t like it he doesn’t like the mental battle that’s true he often tries to kind of dominate that when he when he’s a bit up tight he gets a bit awkward he should have had a chat with Koka those do have a little thing you know take your time when you’re walking off try and get odd breaks break his rhythm and and then hope that all of that turns it into a bit of a dog fight and you get the edge and you get a strap a couple of points and a bit of luck and it might see you through but it’s not it’s not the most honorable way of of winning a bon match granted you’d take that that option was there wouldn’t you of course [Applause] I but it’s got to do something to disrupt the the momentum Rhythm that yes anon’s enjoying at the moment and if you can do that with with a style of play or a strategy of a play great I just don’t think Le jha has that in the locker I think anon’s got all bases covered see he was on top for a moment oh yeah there we go he unleashes that both the string to be fair when we looked at this down the line we said this was probably an Anon win right most likely win this puts them at 2-1 now we go to the doubles always gets interesting when we do this that is going to be a cracking one well it’s another one where I think if I remember rightly the world rankings they’re only couple of places apart yeah they’re not they’re not far apart um you know and remember were not picked for this again again that’s massive yeah who are higher ranked than nor and go yeah I think there there’s one place between them and I think there’s another place then to the [Music] Danes so eight game points here arguably goif F and ner is it in I know we’re talking about the next match and that’s going to be the doubles arguably they’re the stronger pair they’ve played a lot less tournaments and yet their ranking position with Ono is similar so you’d say that they were getting more ranking points from the average tournament if they’ have played 25 tournaments same as Ono they’d probably be ahead of them oh good recovery from anenson good rally a little flourish right at the end here [Music] [Applause] Leon I’m going to bring the experience to the table don’t they but the option has been for go and L zudin that match now comes into sharp Focus shortly but still seven game points here for Anders [Applause] anenson 14 20 [Applause] so Anderson wraps up this first game pretty straightforward fashion we’ll be pleased with oh we’re going to have a challenge right at the end well it was a long way out wasn’t it I think I think we can rely on this one um well you you were talking about maybe trying to irritate get under the skin yeah but it’s game point you know he’s GNA have a break in him minut even ax was going that wide that he could towel down have a drink he’s not look’s he picked up his bag he’s walked off already Anon I don’t think we’re going to get a view but he’s halfway he’s halfway to his mate’s box um I don’t understand it Gage was ship I thought we said yes but when it matters doesn’t matter right now it’s the end of the game yeah for gone conclusion that said by Denmark 214 then to Anders Anon cruising here antonson I think he’s um he’s in full control of this one but um you know it all could change change of ends yeah change of Fortune we’ll see [Music] one by oneus okay [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] up for [Applause] second [Music] game well long how had said prior to the start of the Thomas cup that he wanted some help and tips from Li [Applause] G certainly some Le esque moves now would not go a Miss for the Malaysian trailing Anon here he’ know Anon very well l so any tips would be most welcomed I’m sure by long [Applause] jinal was that the French Open commentating on and an’s match against um Chico dyo from Indonesia who destroyed ason by the way in the round of 16 over the quarterfinal I was trying to work out what he was doing differently and I know he’s got different physical attributes to uh to Leong jinha but one of them was Anton’s having one of those moods where he’s rattled getting in trouble with the Umpire all day taking too much time trying to get his in his opponent’s head and winding his opponent up and Chico just was Mr cool just passive the shuttle back smiled in his face just you know yeah whatever you want man change the shuttle sure don’t worry an whatever you like and it R not getting a not getting a rise out of him exactly exactly andon fell apart that being said an looks pretty under control today doesn’t he mentally he looks Smash down the line yeah see there he’s happy you know good smash well done mate you beat [Music] [Applause] me missed long over [Music] [Applause] [Applause] good start here from Anon in the second [Music] it’s been a tough year for long Howard four early exits got to the quarters of the Spain Masters where lost to chanon he’s been talking about working on his Fitness and consistency that’s a nice shot so it’s over 6 [Music] two wide there from Anon was an interesting comment from how about this squad he said it’s more balanced because there are several players been in previous Thomas cups they’ve got the experience they just need to give the best performance in each match he thought that they might actually break their duck since 1992 it’s a big shout that is a huge yeah but you’ve got to be positive I guess going in and that’s a fantastic one from Anson it’s positive and then there’s a little bit naive I’m all four being positive but you know y Jing how and uh even Justin Hoe I know he’s a he’s a great talent and all of that but you’re playing against Nations that have got huge squads you know Indonesia had nine players to choose from so their uh coach uran sha was talking about just just for the men singles yeah um you know and they’ve got fantastic doubles players as well taea doing really well China are obviously very strong and then you got Denmark so to win it this year if you’re Malaysia I think pretty special asking a lot it would take a lot [Music] yeah he’s very controlled to Di andon great movement [Applause] balance too good yeah very nice it’s a step up isn’t it longin he doesn’t get to play in so many of these big big stars play one other top five play in the world that was ginting just Hong Kong open he lost his straight games early Anon first sniff of blood and he was in there it’s a who seveno lead already got to keep his head up here L junal that’s brilliant needs more of that doesn’t he a lot more you got I got the sense then just looking at his body language it’s sort of there’s nothing to lose now he was almost casual I’m just going to jump up and smash this on the floor it doesn’t come off you know [Music] right better from the Malaysian just long what a shame over so the interval then of this second game it’s a big lead for Anders anenson having already won the first game he is in a fantastic position here to give Denmark the 21 lead it’s 114 one step [Applause] behind not bad [Applause] [Music] okay 114 TR a [Music] terrific so coach identified two problems one is with his serve Leong surve and second was where he was standing unfortunately my baso is pretty rudimentary so that’s all I can give you Bobby please make of that what you will mate I don’t think it matters too much Leong just jumped up early hit as good a smash as I think he could have he couldn’t have hit it that much harder it was almost on the line and Anon just copes with that pressure cruises back into the rally and eventually forces a mistake you know how do you beat Anson if you don’t have the same weapons as some of the other top players in the world well the writing does appear to be on the wall laser will be looking now who would appear that doubles pair now next to save them so it’s over 53 we have something very very special happens from here on [Music] in long again it’s a few times especially into that round the head Corner trying to find that Gap so tall and he moves so smoothly so well don’t have a lot of space to aim for to find that rear corner and uh Leong’s struggling a bit there that’s not a bad tactic take him on in the mid Court try and drive into his body trying and get into Play Between the double service line the back and the uh service line the front in that in those big boxes try and keep the shuttle there somehow test his skills off the body so to speak over now moves up to 10 points clear s he knows Anon city is not far away now he’s trying to find a winner here isn’t he yeah similar result we’ve seen it quite a few times particularly in the second game [Music] six okay thank you [Music] that’s just good oh no it is out challenge why not at this point oh it’s in Cor in oh wow service [Music] over seven 17 [Applause] [Applause] PR what we saying earlier about that midcourt battle he’s got a chance there came out on top of that one okay thank you thank you [Music] over just a couple points now three to be exact bers Anon [Applause] over yeah Anon missfires we haven’t seen a few haven’t seen more than a few mistakes from Anon there I think he’ll be towards the end here maybe yeah I know he’s sort of got the job done already but he want to finish strong he want to carry that feeling into his next match [Applause] [Music] great Anon quality was there but the deception was also there [Applause] [Music] [Music] n this one was just just taking his foot off the pedal can understand it I suppose he’s so far up and the opener was quite comfortable back to business normal service resumes yeah that was kind of a all right enough’s enough little trick shot and then a big smash cross just played it perfectly nothing he can do match points 10 of them now for Anders Anson service over 20 match point [Music] [Applause] 10 oh glorious glorious way of doing it what a shot from Anderson to finish yeah really nice it sums up how well he’s played today business like for the most part just the end with is quite flamboyant for man but [Music] otherwise the team as well job done Delight for him and Denmark because they have got the vital lead here and Anders Anderson beats long now 2114 2110 he’s done it in just over 40 minutes it is the second men’s doubles match next K soot take on go and is [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] this is the West PE Tower a prominent Landmark here in chungu that is about 340 M tall it was originally constructed for TV networks across jingu but since then it’s been expanded to include a revolving restaurant 360 degree view of the city and a recreational and Commercial Mall as well completed in 2004 right now this tie between Denmark and Malaysia here in the chu High Sports the High Sports Zone Center is uh looking pretty Grim for Malaysia because they now must win this match here in the men’s doubles otherwise the tie is over effectively for them Rasmus and Frederick SAR take on G and nor isid of Malaysia [Music] [Music] [Music] in our players here and there’s definitely now big pressure on it on the Malaysian Paris Bobby there is but got the Ed I mean I think they’re slightly higher ranked I’d argue they’re more experienced and not only that I’ve got a little bit of Hope at five for Justin home oh good call if Malaysia can come through this yeah he’s certainly highly rated yeah I know I know he’s playing rasas G and I know gam is great but and out ranks him by a long long way yes I mean we’ll get to the obviously the singles in a while but but I wouldn’t write off Justin ho and so this match means everything oh yeah that’s why they they’ve got to win it yeah massive first meeting between these two pairs which might surprise given us little between them in the rankings right and [Applause] [Applause] [Music] so Ros up first he has won a European Championship bronze medal recently with his partner mix Team Championships gold medal last year and European men’s Team Championship also this year he’s 25 5 years of age just under 6 foot and not far away from his best ranking of 17 which was achieved a couple of months ago they also have a European junior Championship medal together from 2017 and uh his partner Frederick sard is uh 26 bit older and also a little bit taller he’s won a few Thomas cup medals before 2020 and 2022 two bronzes European championships as I said they are the bronze medalists those are their results so far Reginal Lee and tanong man they won in three beat the Algerian play as [Music] well and now the Malaysian Scot has won Asian Championship men’s doubles before silver this year in a bronze two years ago he’s 26 from malaka and they are former top 10 pair that was in November of 2022 he’s having fun with that isn’t he nor is within Asian Team Championships 22 they got a gold he’s from the south of Malaysia jeor 175 cm tall we’ also won two Silvers in the team championships one this year and one from 2020 and the bronze in 2018 they did not play against Algeria and they also beat Regino Lee and tanman in straight games so the Danes dropped the game against a Hong Kong pair the Malaysians didn’t the Malaysians have got four titles to their name most recently the Abu Dhabi Masters super 100 um theyve won a couple of super 300s as well in the US Open and German open the Danes have never won the world tour with a couple of wins a couple of runner up places last year the Canada open and Scottish open in 2018 yeah the G came close a few times uh seem to be following each other around the world last year I was seeing quite a few of those super five and 300s um Quality pair they are the results against the Hong Kong pair for both they’re a little bit it’s It’s tricky because they were both they’re both mixed double plays together it was almost like they’re out there to have some fun you know it’s like an exhibition so I think they were smiling a lot when they they were enjoying themselves very much so which is good to see don’t you know can’t can’t can’t knock that at all but um yeah gentlem as a flat comparison is a tri represented by L and and on my left Malaysia represented by Andi which makes it interesting that the D lost a game in that one as well yeah play Rasmus K he’s the he’s the guy that’s the playmaker that sets stuff up if he has a good game they’ve got a really good chance so guard’s very consistent very strong the Malaysians are great again in that four Court area and a lot of doubles these days particularly early on in the in the rally is play there you know they’re both shorter and stature they can get lower they can they’re used to playing at the net the mix doubles men the Hong Kong player we saw day that’s not where they play they’re never at the front so they haven’t got those same skills that the Malaysians have got and I guess if they can draw them into that match it’s likely that the Malaysians would win that oh oh he just came straight stepped in quickly didn’t he so [Music] good one quick point to note as well is that our officials by the way is uh is both horen now is service by the umpires l y from China who was the Umpire who called that controversial spin serve oh yeah decision right at the end of that other doubl match solid from the [Applause] Danes yeah and what I mean there been any feedback on that what was the outcome because there didn’t look much wrong with it to be honest yeah the uh play St didn’t want to really talk too much about it right afterwards but the Malaysians were pretty agreed shot [Music] go it’s a great start here for the D yeah the Malaysians Aaron and so they they felt was a bit of pressure being put on the uh umpire and also they wanted to know exactly how they were spin suring yeah you and I were kind of wondering that ourselves it didn’t look uh too much wrong with it it made no difference in the end they would have had match point oh excellent defending and again oh brilliant booming smash there from I know I was surprised a couple of rallies before that he had few chances to hit hard and hit down and he was a bit conservative and I thought really up for this but capable of that that’s what we used to seeing from him he’s the [Music] [Applause] power looking to power their way back into this in his early stages going is with in [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] too much quality from the net couldn’t match it play [Applause] [Music] [Music] they didn’t have a great start to the year this year the Malaysians and yet persevered with by the fton Association Malaysia okay play they were two at the start of the year three consecutive early exits Malaysia open India open and Indonesia Masters [Applause] [Music] first to the 39th well 39th pair from Thailand and what blz actually said at the time he was ready to be P up with someone else yes I remember that was that early last year and uh yeah he was he would he said he wouldn’t object the has felt that the partnership should be broken at the Asia championships well in January last year 23 they actually had a few months off each other they um they were talking about a lack of connection a loss of trust and they actually had a few months apart I think about four months it wasn’t until May last year they came back together so this I thought that been fixed I thought they were okay now clearly that’s resurfaced again right that that’s got to be a little worrying um Bobby isn’t it when you when that’s happened once before and you you’re thinking about it again I remember last cuz I remember commentating last year and talking about it and we got back together and it was a bit of a surprise but the Olympics was was the aim was the dream their best chance of you know sending another pair from Malaysia to the Olympic Games so they did it and you know I thought they were on track I’m surprised to hear that they’re uh no longer getting along well be fair this was in early this year and they since improved their ranking quite drastically to what 15th in the world now right and they were 22 well go just got beat with an ace a flick serve and he had a little low five from there as if you know don’t worry Nate we’re we’re still in this so loves in the I hope so I hope so but at the moment enjoy a very very good start to this [Music] match 5 10 [Music] [Music] so excellent work from the Dan so far go your F should have done better here changed his grip at the last second could have played that forehand and yeah still getting a little high five though so let’s hope they’re uh still connected still doing it together good from the so far 115 in the first game the D [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] 115 [Music] play it’s all going pretty well at the moment for the Danish pair here the back 11 [Music] [Applause] [Music] Sil here getting ready to serve having a chat with soard and as soon as he gets a word from the Umpire he then decides to blame the wet [Music] [Applause] Court defense Denmark so not perhaps in his comfort [Applause] zone seven qu [Music] yeah even after the Asian championships where they won all the matches or five of them and then were had early exits at the French Open all England the Swiss open but what’s help a fantastic r at the the Asian championships not the team ones the the recent on a couple weeks ago where they made it all the way to the final which defied all the odds yeah and there’s tons of points there which really propel them to where they are sometimes you just need that little boost don’t you yeah absolutely it’s funny how one thing can make a big difference we saw in the last match antonson against Leong Leong looked so casual he was almost written off and he just jumped up and hit this big with nothing to lose and then the next few points he’s bored by that a more confident he’s [Applause] backing EG and I think in this case having that big result especially at the Asian is it the Asian teams championship Asian championships not the team teams was early yeah that’s only a couple weeks ago right okay they lost to L Kong and Wang Chong in the final yeah world number one pair right now to three right n they beat by the way a in the semi-finals for that LE Young And W the [Music] quarters play off the world Champs show in the opening round chance yes yeah on the floor good recovery oh the D didn’t take [Music] [Applause] advantage is a was down wasn’t he at one point play 63 since the interval in favor of the Malaysians well whatever the chat was at the break seems to have done some good [Music] that’s a great challenge that one now whose call is this or should it be I’m not sure if it’s the Umpire or the service judge at this level or whether they just automatically go to V who’s probably thep but if she haven’t got a clear view then call upon on the line oh just in just in and credit to the Malaysians they’ve battled back really well here they were trailing by five by six I should say [Applause] gold deceptive backand return of serve sends them both the wrong way okay working really hard in the rear Court [Applause] [Applause] for after heroic recent Championship so yeah 10,200 I think exactly and that’s massive isn’t it I mean you get 13,000 for major world not far off that is it far [Applause] [Music] off you defeat world champions Olympic Champions and your higher ranked compatriots that’s got to feel good great shot K back hand defense off the hip just as it was looking like the Malaysians were bearing down on the Danes they have done well to build up a six-point lead again [Applause] 19 12 yeah they’re fully confident once more just had enough to get on that flick Earth back down [Music] there didn’t seem particularly ready Ser almost business there 14 19 [Applause] little flourish here for the Malaysians take take power okay being given some leeway by the Umpire just to go off and have a little momentum break this is a nice flourish from the Malaysians all of a sudden down out for while it was uh 192 got four in a row here make that five and all of a sudden this is a bit like what we saw with lizy j and and and uh big my goodness when he was 319 down battle back a bit short that L there Z should have finished that good defense great taking that late could have finished it had a chance straight off for third shot in the rally didn’t find anything aggressive and then a bit slow to cover the re have they got a bit complacent as they thought they had the opening game six points in a row here for the Malaysians [Applause] oh brilliant shot oh nor is W this is tremendous for the Malaysians killed all the pace the drop was good and it had the added insult of just catching the net 19 all well that’s got to sting here the Danes how are they going to react now if the Malaysians Take the Lead do what a time to do it leaves it what was think one game point now just the [Applause] [Music] one good oh he broken a string so water Time game point like we had between axon and Lee earlier and Lee battle back from 1319 down we now need a winner by two clear points KN out [Music] now earlier a took four match points for him to finally win it let’s see what happens here with the D shot went over the top that was Brave from R who took his foot off the gas a few moments ago second game point for the Danes that [Music] save another one here the Malaysians one [Applause] Nice Shot forehand from isine [Music] and now the Malaysians are put themselves in full position here [Applause] amazing an up and down performance on the D pair moments where they Miles Ahead look really strong they look quick they look good and they just seem to heart Malaysians have won 10 of the last 12 points and they’ve won this game that’s a stunning stunning turnaround here 23 and how important will that be in the final Reckoning well I tell you what we were talking about these two Malaysians falling apart and didn’t have that sort of camaraderie or connection they needed it then and it they stuck together and they just dug deep they stayed in the match turned it all around few mistakes from the D and suddenly they well back in it got somehow have conjured up something pretty special they’ve taken the first game 2321 [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] I know man [Applause] F second C two 20 [Music] [Applause] th there game level [Applause] play I wonder how much of the soal SC power that’s going to have on the D going to sting is it easy just to put a line under it and move on no not at all It’s Tricky here because whilst they’ve got rasas ganker at five the tie is now wide open if the if the Malayan win this they’ve got an outside chance should take the fif should but there’s a lot of faith in the Leer as we were discussing earlier in Justin H and the future of him again you know in this in this game that we just had uh Bobby because we looked at the previous doubles where AST rasmon LED 90% of that game same here in this last game only 2019 did the Malaysians Take the Lead they were trailing throughout that set first game things just seem to fall asleep didn’t they at the end yeah they were so far up they were five or six point lead two or three points left to win it I think just seem to relax nice so look at the coaches I suspect they got a bit of a rolicking yeah between the games just going to Google dish for ha dryer treatment [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] 44 two four start to this game as we had the pr [Applause] well left that was well left it was unlucky for the Malaysians they did everything right there maneuver here okay [Music] for the far corner [Applause] [Music] he missed again surely denark tender you know what the line call was in I think but my first instinct was that this has gone wide had the whole Court to go at thought so too what happens when you take a big swing he knew he was going to finish the M the rally just K unsuccessful one k remaining that was not the plan from no is a F [Applause] play and a bit Wild [Music] [Music] [Applause] good [Applause] smash right hand body line [Applause] so doesn’t miss this time not from there [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] just as thean through level the now start to pull away again Place [Applause] [Music] K hey [Applause] five player come here oh little telling off now get ready quicker don’t delay next time somebody delays the match without necessarily needing to I want to see the Umpire start issuing cards there’s no point giving warnings and then repeatedly giving War see it too of [Music] [Applause] [Applause] the intention from soard knew what he’s looking for you can’t blame him for this face shot just too good BBY n seven coach is Happy with’s defense here just enough these two only saw play together the dames in 2022 and last year they beat the world number one young way long time twice capable pairing these two 10 so push very hard down they were said ahead of this game said you know they’ve never played these two they know they’re world class Fair they’re opposition and going be a very difficult match they were going to lots lots of video analysis of them to get a feel of their game play on and when you play a pair that you know well of course you kind of know how to approach them right and I think you still this case you’d have to do but now you have to do a little bit more homework a lot more homework I think people even if you know your opponent inside out still do the absolutely these days everything’s done at such a high level they would have been sat there in the hotel room with their coaches last night for after dinner or whatever you know the rehab the snc the physio the warm down the eating properly they be doing video analysis for sure watching these guys in action looking for what they do and it’s small things like when one of them serves to the te what does he do next with his wreck or if he serves to Middle what’s his partner about to look for you know that kind of stuff that down to that my DET that’s happening well below this level that’s happening at Super 100s and below for sure oh off the net the Malaysians were under big pressure there but have found somehow found the way to win the point and have drawn level here 27 shots yeah just just an instinctive move of the racket from go at the last [Music] second gets lucky with a neck C play [Applause] oh he’s missed it long that was a be a great shot from s but he’s got just a t long and the Malaysians actually taking the lead here that’s going to sting again first time they taking the lead in this second game the 111 having already won the first [Music] get Easter come [Applause] just a reminder here the Malaysians win this this game and it goes two or and we are going to have a fifth the Danes win this game they have to win the third the tie will be over effectively a big a big big moment it’s not a game for that reason [Music] and it’ll also be a huge challenge for young Justin Hoe in the in the fifth the deciding match in the tie against Ras ska so Malaysia Challenger a challenge called out [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] it wasn’t in so three-point lead that is play Massive in the context of this [Applause] match oh he so God this time gets the lock up in that feel they deserve some of that [Applause] yeah good reach from this calm today [Applause] excellent from the Malaysians they’re dictating this still holding off where’s the power going to come from guard tries for defense longest rally by a mile almost exhibition from the Malaysians least to the first half the fans go the team with AAR in the background 66 shots the momentum sift save it press is on here okay so go B King [Applause] 11 to Dent the Danish [Applause] hope that rally I mean they’re not it’s not exhibition they’re not it’s not like not trying it’s just just toying with them a little bit he didn’t hit with any power once for for first 40 shots isard he was just calmly saying go on what have you got and then to win the rally eventually anyway and the Danes that would frustrate them he held off didn’t he just wondered when he was going to unleash it yeah [Applause] took a while but they’re there they got it in the the D just a point behind [Applause] now play on now you can just see what’s at stake with that reaction from the D where they’ve draw level you couldn’t see him on screen you could probably still hear him K With An Almighty shout after that mistake [Music] and they’re back in front 15 [Applause] [Music] [Applause] 14 malians need to uh stay focused here I just get a little impression that they’re a bit too relaxed this is best I thought we were saying about the D as well they got a little too relaxed yes yeah the first okay just left a bit frustrated there oh wonderful athleticism and again for both of [Applause] them 15 it 15 the shots they play put themselves in trouble to be honest [Applause] nevertheless that was lovely from [Music] K we talked about the the kind of year that the Malaysians have had so also had early exits most of the tournaments they’ve been in German open was their best semi-final appearance and then of course got bronze at the European championships no no [Applause] no so both of these pairs have sort of redeemed their season as it were by their own Continental championships does it work [Applause] defending stitched him up there 17 forced to try and go around the back with something special is it te quite can’t quite manage [Music] it at that reaction so good play off this heart rate must be through the [Applause] roof emotional roller coaster these two games today up and down so often [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] th over [Applause] 186 so two points clear at The crucial juncture the business end of this second game [Applause] [Music] if the Danes throw this away which essentially they did in the first they will get in big trouble with their national team with the coaches [Applause] oh brilliant rally yeah it’s gone wide wide oh dear so good seven Kings eight [Applause] Kings can’t call the effort from the D though I mean that was the shot to play the space was there just didn’t have the skill to find it this [Applause] time it’s come off so God there they’re all square again vital next few points [Music] here and the Malaysians aoy it at the moment yeah yeah off his just that’s a sh power was it get that so good [Applause] [Music] play now this one inching along to the Finish Line isn’t it it’s just like the first that tension suddenly is back this time it’s been point for point the comeback in the first from the Malaysians was was wonderful to see but if the Malaysians manage to scrape through this second the D will be kicking themselves for what happened in the first yeah good flick Serve All Started from the flick serve now they are oh looking at the did they feel that that was too high yeah service judge soard was asking if the serve was legal he’s swallowed his PR I think in letting this one go brilliant smash from is it in the angle he created match point now Ley J nodding his head F huge huge moment [Applause] [Music] here this time the flip didn’t work we’re all square again like we were in the previous game 20 all can taste the tension the score line play [Music] it’s a good shot again he’s a again he’s having a good day you know no a [Applause] a second match point for the Malaysians stracing for [Music] [Applause] K put it away and it’s all square for Malaysia in this time that is excellent I mean just to set it up we said it at the start what we give to see it go to two all great performance from them but the D are going to be so annoyed with themselves for what happened at the end of the first game 1913 Bobby they were up the Danes and they will look back at that we we said that could be literally the Turning Point 23 21 22 one match left and it would be a dream for the Young but he’s good you know I’ve got yeah I’ve got every faith in the future of Justin Hoe I just wonder whether he’s ready yet we’re going to find out soon we are it’s uh it couldn’t be more perfectly set this one coming down to the wire the disappointment yeah well so they should be I mean that was to win it to win the tie for Malaysia for Denmark it’s going to be sweating time now for both sides particularly Denmark given the circumstances but Goa and M isin of Malaysia beat denmarks Rasmus K and Frederick soard 2321 2220 in 50 minutes and it means we are going down to the wire the fifth and final match the men’s singles Rasmus GMU of Denmark takes on Malaysia’s Justin ho [Music] [Applause] [Music] lovely night shots of the venue here for the total energy bwf Thomas and Uber Cup finals 2024 in this truly remarkable city of chungu and uh yeah it is really something to savor we are in a world class state-ofthe-art venue here at the high-tech Zone sports center G asium and uh it has a capacity of about 12,000 in here and uh it’s pretty full I must say China’s also playing next to us but right now our attentions are in court two where Denmark and Malaysia are serving us up a classic and we’re now down to the final match whoever wins this it’s winner take all in the third men’s singles [Music] we’ve had a few Close Encounters between Denmark and Malaysia Rasmus gka of Denmar takes on Malaysia’s Justin Hoe we go back in history 1970 it was 54 Malaysia in the second round identical result in 1976 it was a 3-2 to Malaysia for third place in 1986 Malaysia also won by that same score line in the semi-finals in 1998 Denmark reversed it in 2006 32 Malaysia then returned the favor in the quarterfinals in 2010 Denmark then won it in 2012 3-2 in the group stages and in uh 2016 in the semi-finals and in 2018 32 in the group stages so this could be repeat of 2018 we shall see as our two players enter the arena it’s beautifully set isn’t it Bobby oh do you know [Applause] what I know razus gank is going to be the strong favorite and I know a lot of people outside of Malaysia might not know a huge amount about Justin Hoe but let me just build the scene a little bit he’s young he was injured he’s come back he’s been picked for the team he is 17th in terms of Malaysian men singles ranked players so there’s 16 players above him okay they picked two but 15 others that have been you want you know ignored in place of this teenager including his teammate and one last one he’s played three tourament everyone above him plays you know 18 20 or whatever the average result in the points of those tournaments had he played as many tournaments as let’s say liia would put him around the top 10 in the world wow 102 amongst names like cha Chen Len Lo kimoto that’s the quality that we are looking at potentially yeah in Justin H he is very highly rated from uh all reports and what I’m trying to say is this one is not just a formality that no that g is going to win this 3 even though the rankings might tell us that but yeah here is draus gko who’s won two bronze medals in the Thomas cup with Denmark in 2020 and 2022 he’s 27 years of age just over six foot currently 26th in world but he is a former top 10 player that was a November of 2021 also won Golds and European mix Team Championships in 2019 and 2021 and European men’s Team Championships in 2018 and earlier this year and here is beaten Jason Gan of Hong Kong China and a very straight one against Mohammad Babi one in just 20 minutes he’s got one title to his name from the world tour that is the Spain Masters in 2018 and this year run is up at the German open losing to Christo poo this is the man we are talking about Justin [Applause] Hoe who is 20 years of age from the capital Malaysia just under 6 foot he has got a seames silver medal of 2021 has won four titles at the international challenge level most recently the Uganda International as uh mentioned earlier by Bobby Muhammad Babi he won also comfortably and Chan chak he won in three he has just not had very much senior experience ready to play but one thing though we’ve mentioned a very positive side side of things for him he has also suffered some bad injuries yeah and not just that he was nervous the other day against chion Jack commentated on that one and for a game and a half I thought what saw the hype about Justin Hoe really didn’t look like he was this force to be reckoned with and then suddenly you know exploded and took the third game reasonably convincingly even though the score line might not suggest it so he does perhaps Surfer from nerves as well he has just come back from that sort of injury recently that you mentioned andini is our umpire Benjamin cour is our service judge yeah he ruptured his left Achilles Last April and then made his return to competitions after 8 months that’s towards the end of last year then injured his right foot and knee [Music] gentlemen have to step up his recovery from that issue as well represented by Rasmus G on my left Malaysia represented by Justin H denar to serve LEL play [Applause] [Music] that K that one oh yeah it’s uh mentioned earlier by Bobby there’s a lot of pressure here when it could be and you have come down to the lowest rank play but talking of rankings just play this rally out oh glorious before his injury issues because it was at the end of April last year when he hurt his rupted as Achilles he was top 50 yeah the tournament he played just before he he injured his ankle I mean he he had a good spell he got up to 48 in the world he only spent a week inside the top 50 because he got injured but also to spend 8 nine months off when you’re a teenager then at that stage in your development and you’re just getting into senior babington that’s huge you know so it would have set him back even if he puts in a performance today had not been for that long injury of8 n months be a different player and I guess that’s why Malaysia put so much stock into him and think he’s you know the next best thing it’s just they haven’t seen it yet I prefer to Cham Jin way who up ranks him in the uh in the Malaysian team at the moment but yeah just just going back to that earlier point we were talking about coming down to this now this youngster he’s got the weight of a Nation whether he likes it or not yeah I mean it’s tough isn’t it the one Saving Grace is that is group stages and they’re both going through so they’re still tomorrow so to speak finishing second it’s tough isn’t it in the toas cup yeah it is it just makes it harder doesn’t it with the draw that you’re going to get [Music] next good mat shot from G [Applause] Under Pressure throughout most of the rally justtin [Music] H bra that was Brave the Malaysian gen is not that far away this had to be a great net shot [Applause] [Applause] that’s good you said he was a little nerv against the the Hong Kong player y CH I thought so I wasn’t sure it was nerves or a bit of a passive style which didn’t impress me as much but towards the end of the match fantastic hit winners going for line reverse slices it was brilliant but did admit he felt the pressure of that of that win he looks more confident today yeah because the pressure is not on him I guess so much in that sense he said he didn’t even expect to be selected but he thought he prepared himself well and he wanted to win perhaps a little too badly and it cost him Midway through when he dropped the game and he said he focused got refocused and won it something like what it have to be today great that was Ste gets up high on this one [Music] [Applause] [Music] good Ser that smash I tell you what it comes down with some Pace three-point lead here it’s in the back tram lines when he hits it so the length wasn’t that bad quality this [Applause] match be calm that’s what the co is saying 48 there you [Applause] go good block he’s line on his feet doesn’t he just looks so controlled his coach is asking for a little bit of variety change it up a bit to Justin [Applause] hope is the spice of life keep your opponent guessing [Music] loose loose from [Applause] Justin by coach is uh telling ho little aspects of Rasmus G he does well there s [Applause] [Applause] wow right in that corner looks frantic doesn’t he he moves yeah scalers yeah that’s just a lot of furious energy contrast that to Justin hes very smooth language is it style if it goes to a third game game an hour that might play aart you know is going to be burning more energy the way he’s moving around the court what’s the saying here go get the shutle I think quite Sur to make this you mentioned how many other players are between him and the two that got picked yeah he wants to make it count well this is one way of doing it in the decider against [Music] Denmark oh great block K they can’t find a way through them that go comes to very gladly have [Applause] that smash as the the coach from Malaysia keep changing it up I like how they’ve miked up the coaching Corners enjoy that it’s fantastic if we had Ste p over here and yourself who can speak Malaysian we’ know what’s going by Bobby who would want that I’ll just do the [Applause] oh what do you feel about that though um what the coach is saying your gendrin is saying to Justin H about changing it up that’s right keep keep your opponent guessing cuz I think this smash has work quite well for him know I mean he’s it’s nine all he’s made a few mistakes in attack like that one that smash out wide earlier uh I think he put one the if you’re on top of the rally and you’re making in tack you doing what you should be doing just you know end product I wouldn’t necessarily change things that’s me there’s a reason he’s the coach and I’m set up here well he went for the stop drop rather than the smash so assumably that’s kind of the variation that the coach is looking for I guess yeah it’s possibly due to the reaction of gka G’s he’s he’s pacy he’s moving all the time he’s kind of to play like that you need to kind of have some kind of uh uh anticipation of what’s going to happen if you then vary that against him and get caught out and he’s off his balance and things like that so perhaps that’s that’s the [Music] reason the 11 10 interval so just the one point in it then between these two in the first interval 1110 to Rasmus G kit next [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] rude inventary Bassa unfortunately is all I have but it’s picking up things like don’t be worried about his Smash and playing from the [Applause] back I’m just giving little crumbs here for Bobby to put together for me hopefully [Applause] to repeat that got most of the Malaysian get the Eng to I deserve [Music] that no I must admit I did miss what um what the coach was saying it well cuz you know obviously your bass is about as good as mine um so worried about the uh the serve sorry the smash from G okay play from the back something about playing from the back that’s why I’m going to leave that there and then you can see what we see and put that together sure you you know else we’ll do our [Applause] best I bit like the AIS versus Le match earlier the difference in game one for me is Justin H going too many high risk shots he’s trying to play too tight to the net with a smash he’s trying to play too tight to the line and he’s made a bit of a mess at times when he holds it together he looks pretty controlled in the r wide that well you said he doesn’t mean to worry too much about or be less worried about it yeah well he didn’t need the big high lift here watch this he’s in balance in control and he just fires it up in the sky and says go on attack me so you know okay don’t expect him to do that all the time it’s a very high risk it is defensive strategy which I don’t think is his natural game he likes to attack 11 change we change we have change 1113 [Applause] nice rally oh he’s just gone wide but there’s a challenge this is close tricky from here it looked like part of the feathers caught the line but of course it’s only the cork that matters oh he did catch the line is that big big [Applause] one 14 [Applause] [Music] 11 this young man is as you mentioned only played three tournaments on a world tour none of them this year no oh but he’s holding his own more or less right so far he just got embarrassed there with this click serve yes you’re right he is but those three tournaments he has played yes they were a little while back and he was a teenager they performed pretty well we play one tournament this year International CH level clearly given the face selectors 16 smash 11 he was good ear was he hot and cold wasn’t it all there for him he’s just try too hard look for the angles saying to him [Applause] just running away from Bobby purely mistakes again he’s under no pressure here clears out the back put that one away with [Applause] ease within the margins there until he got that clear opportunity and that’s what I liked and that’s what Le did at the end against axon and gave him the chance to get back in the match 12 17 thank [Music] [Applause] you should finish it oh he’s done well he hasn’t got the biggest smash gam and he’s paying the price for it because heard the mid game and he said don’t worry about the smash that’s the reason why he’s not he has got the power to hit a clean winner that often not off the first smash anyway than [Applause] you the word I’m hearing through all of that maybe not snatching at [Applause] things well this time he hits [Music] through I think he’s ready to allow this first game to slip away just in Hope [Music] [Applause] and now he’s got eight game points here [Music] [Music] [Applause] ruska that 13 SA [Applause] [Music] good rally yeah one of the longer ones we’ve [Music] [Applause] had it’s like a training rally for uh for Justin ho right now look he’s just playing the Four [Applause] Corners oh good save it is like an exhibition final point but it is done and r has got by a vital lead here in this deciding match of the group [Applause] stages a shame really halfway through he was in contention and then just made too many mistakes mostly in attack he was on he was on top of the rallies he’s in control of the game but um yeah a lot more consistent first against [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] 213 me [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] up yeah [Applause] [Music] [Applause] two 20 seconds two 20 seconds [Applause] [Applause] well coach rendin was sort of reiterating some of the points we heard from earlier which was to pick your moments don’t rely on that Smash and be patient we felt that just just keep playing playing don’t have to always look for that winner that’s exactly right and I’m glad to hear that you know Justin H heard the same thing because it’s easy to see when you watch that first game didn’t need to play so tight to the net or tight to the lines he lost a string of points crucial times after the interval particularly right yeah he should have been leading at the interval he should have been 184 up really and yet he’s 2013 down it just a mess so much potential though and you can see why malayer has got so much faith in [Applause] him and let’s not forget it is still the group stages whether they win 3-2 lose 32 they’re both going through it’s valuable experience if they have got a real faith in him for the future yeah of men singles in Malaysia he’s playing against top players in the world a big stage with a big play [Applause] [Music] [Applause] and again he looks so calm so controlled from most of the rally and winds up for this big Smash and misses I don’t understand it I feel frustrated watching him so I wanted to do well all credit to Ras G kou though I mean he’s he’s doing what he needs to do he’s playing with a professional experienced mind and it was more than enough in the first game the score yeah really convinc him [Music] overall it is pretty tough to hear right now with the uh Team China playing right next to us in court one to hear something things being said by the coach so whenever we can whenever we get something we’ll let you [Applause] know good shot G two variation with the slides going cross [Applause] there thank you very [Applause] he was moving to his left before his feet had really got a place on the ground which means he was guessing in defense there just got um outplayed by the D [Music] good lovely that’s [Applause] nice it’s almost like he wanted to prove that he could do the same as gko just did [Applause] [Applause] oh fantastic from kka what a save oh see look how calm Justin ho looks during the rallies just cruising around so much control and yet I reckon he’s hit 10 attacking errors great save what a rally the end like it he wins it that a fantastic round [Applause] 33 shots in that one but both of them were at the mercy the other player and sa made great saves and then there’s a smash but Unleashed it at the right time and he placed it a foot inside the court that’s as much as you need against gka you know just maintain the attack if it comes back keep going he looks lighter on his feet he looks more efficient he looks I don’t know fitter is the right word but [Applause] he looks perfectly capable of a long rally so they control the smash and use it as a building [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] shot team happy with that seeing here the coaches [Applause] [Music] [Applause] too blue [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] playing well here great block that is superb see the court craf is there he’s got the technique he’s got the shots he’s got everything going for him [Applause] in his training not try and cut Corners not try and win the rally too [Applause] early beautiful reverse [Music] slice we were there from G and all of a sudden this is the biggest lead he has enjoyed in this match four points he’s capable of getting frustrated game play he is capable of doing the same thing and going for too much because needs to get it over and done with or something Justin H can realized that and just dragg that out of him [Applause] interesting juncture we’re in at the [Applause] [Music] [Applause] moment great shot wasn’t it he’s over five show patience in this second game justtin hope yeah being a bit more selective the shots wi his footwork Justin ho is impeccable really is good save from that big smash just that was an opportunity wasn’t it keeps developing these opportunities that’s the positive sign thank you coach earlier Malayan coach said that K’s not comfortable I missed out on the the context of that but I wonder what if I said that to you that g is not comfortable what what scenar are you seeing him uncomfortable [Music] whilst the score line suggest G was miles on top of that first game he really wasn’t and we could see that it was more that Justin po was throwing away making errors hitting it out yeah I don’t think he’s very comfortable in who he’s playing against I think he’s intimidated I think he’s scared I think he doesn’t want to be embarrassed by losing to a you know guy that’s 1920 he’s 233 in the rankings I just feel he looks nervous he looks edgy he looks for you the way he’s playing no he’s just on the back foot in most rallies if Justin develops into the player from this potential that he’s got now in three or four years time I don’t expect he’d ever lose to a player like Rasmus G and I don’t mean that with any disrespect to kka in any way I just think there’s so much potential in Justin Hoe and if he hadn’t had the injury and where he’d be now and going into the next couple of years he’s a potential worlder he really is and it’s great that these teams are bringing these young players through Indonesia have bought um Alvi faram with them um world junior champion from Spokan last summer and again phenomenal looking player and a name people won’t know necessarily right now but in two three years time they will I think Justin ho is another one Japan have brought 17-year-old sokaki she played third sign other day yes K through solid against a decent you know opponent um Thailand Thailand have got this youngster she’s just won the World Juniors this year a year two years young might even be three years young she’s perhaps the best Junior I’ve ever [Applause] seen can’t remember her name right now but there will be people at the list in who know exactly who I [Applause] mean don’t be too defensive now is what the coach is saying well prior to this event he hadn’t played anyone inside the top 50 Justin his [Applause] career so this is uh truly a remarkable turn around here for now it’s 118 in the second game but G is leading after the first [Applause] [Music] [Applause] has played 18 matches this year 12 [Applause] 21 matches 114 lost seven bad starts of the year over 9 11 by two now Champs got to the quarters lost to axelon 19 and 12 semis of the Swiss open lost to toan chenon there a good [Music] [Applause] shotu to three only lost 19 in the in the third of the all England ches yeah the open room that’s right she’s capable of a being hot and cold we saw earlier today on the other court he looked a bit off his best three early exits the start of the started to got some pretty decent performances in [Applause] [Music] immediate challenge Justin H I think he’s pretty confident about this one [Music] [Applause] 10 change I wasn’t sure if that was you chastising Justin or whether you were saying it was just just in very good yes might want to just cast his mind back to Thomas U Cup match in 2021 when he lost to Fabian rot of Germany who was then 360th in the world G was number 12 wow well last year’s semifinal again I know um example earlier about as playing with um whoever it was and they were 2220 G lost to pranoy and yes prano is a good player but at the time groi was similar kind of level to to G really that was third singles that meant India beat Denmark 3-2 India then went on to win the whole thing to win the whole thing you know could have been 4-1 Denmark yeah can’t be a nice can’t be nice to be coming back to the Thomas cup playing at thir fifth match correct knowing you know you’ve been here before and you’ve lost and also it makes such a big difference knowing that you come second it such a no one wants to face Denmark and Malaysia right let’s be clear no the Denmark and Malaysia don’t want to face Indonesia or China which they probably will do one of them will come 11 not probably there’s a good chance yeah 50% chance of meeting one of [Applause] [Applause] those well like what well that’s a terrible but if you come second in your group I don’t think you can play the winner of your group in the quarterfinals I could be wrong but I don’t think you can which means there are three other group two so it’s a 67% chance you play one of them isn’t [Music] it just to to uh put that context in yeah who would the group wi be Japan is most likely to be Japan or Chinese type isn’t it in that group great save from G almost got 15 turn defense into attack really nicely the D mat with accuracy in the end just going back to that I think Japan Denmark or Japan Malaysia will be tasty will be tight you don’t want to save it for the semi-finals just straight straight to if they happen to draw them in the quarters one of these two finish second and draw Japan which I think would be the preferred option like you say as opposed to being against Indonesia or China yeah that one go either way right yeah absolutely two points in this [Applause] [Music] one oh the [Applause] 16 [Applause] 13 just slly off balance that word again Brave be brave coach gendin 16 1 that’s when was saying that he was to see how the new system put in by coach AG gendrin how much it would be bearing fruit here at the Thomas cup came in last [Applause] yearend he broken the string that racket sounds awful I think Justin a broken string halfway through that [Music] yeah he’s walking off to the kick box now so tired is there yeah you can see it [Music] nice two points in itting along now Chinese Tai is a good got a good team this year as well just to throw go back to that I’ve just been sting here thinking about it yeah I’m I’m working on that match tomorrow Japan Chinese typ a they’ve got chan Chen Lyn and way in singles the Olympic champions in doubl they’ve got away y lost yesterday to the yes Yuri crra that’s right and uh I did their match against Japan on day one and Yan lder took a game off mishimoto and was 20 all in the second could have won it in two as I said I don’t think Denmark or Malaysia would mind playing Japan out of all the choices they had all CH i p glorious from Justin H just as de was whittling down that lead on [Applause] [Applause] gka wins this game it is all done [Applause] Justin ho has other ideas isn’t heing some good stuff here that’s the thing about third singles being the fifth match being the decider you got kenter mamot in Japan decid mamot versus G what’s he going to be feeling I mean yes mot’s retiring probably not as fit and focused as he used to be when the accident happened I think he’s the preferred thir Choice the right of a am I right don’t know I don’t think I’ve seen play both matches so far they rested narok yesterday or the day before they’ve got Ki wanabi and Kent nishimoto right that’s the three for me imagine having the Moto he’s still 29 to to back you up not a bad option at all got to Rally this is by the way they’re on the long diagonals great that shot oh very very good from Justin ho and he’s only a couple of points from leveling this the fist is pumping I like the look of that from Justin ho quality after that long long rally full stretch the full length of that diagonal as well and still plays that next shot with that [Music] quality 19 15 imagine Ras gen living up to HK vitting hus who used to superhero Denmark at third singles for a few years part of that 2016 winning team yeah and did it in that semi-final to get them there in the third [Music] place that’s just out some of the got up in anticipation of that 16 19 you know Denmark with two love down to Malaysia in that semi-final and visting who won to win 3-2 to get some through that’s right [Applause] 32 not only did famously did it in the final I mean it was important that was against Malaysia that’s and actually some lost yeah some lost to Leong way in the opening that’s [Applause] right the two mads also lost the doubles [Music] just that to be said fighting back here good shot very nicely done three crucial points for kka 19 he wants to get as close to that 19 as he can yeah he’s having to find something special here G digging really deep look at that alono turn expertly [Music] done bit passive perhaps from Justin ho didn’t need to lift clear he’s got some momentum at the moment 18 [Music] 19 yes [Applause] oh game point for that to happen A Brave Brave net shot from Justin ho was hunting the reply and either his racket touched the net or he struck the shuttle on side of the Court gain point for deider two of them for Justin H Oh wrong footed him can he finish it off he can’s over yeah this time from G going cross net this one I think just didn’t expect that take [Applause] [Music] still one game point here for Justin ho G going for it [Applause] oh dama this one gka wants it in you can just tell he does not want a third game classy stuff from Justin ho yes oh huge I wasn’t sure where the was called on that’s massive look what it means to the Malaysian contingent massive one there for Justin ho this is going to feel tough for G his sh are going to be slumped that is so good knew immediately I think it was the fact he put his racket over the net so the Umpire called that 2119 Justin ho takes the second game against Rasmus ker they’re going to go to the Third [Applause] [Music] [Applause] most [Applause] important okay [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] 20 for 20 seconds [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] okay okay okay second final game l well certainly the phrase that stuck out there from coach rendin to Justin ho from well played what that I think will reverberate his believe yourself and he certainly did didn’t he he backed himself in the last game did he also he did but in a way that was nice to watch controlled he didn’t just go for the attack to win that’s that’s how he was actually failing for a game and a half oh he’s got a fresh haircut just kill from gen [Applause] [Music] [Applause] wonderful save just makes it over well away with that from one [Applause] two St St thank you soft to oh smash now remember you talked about the last Thomas cup where Denmark had a couple of skin by the teeth matches a 3 twos two in a row they lost to India 32 and then it was they beat Malaysia I think no not Malia in the group stage final group stage match yeah Tai and yes I was commentating from just behind where Denmark oh we you and I are quite high up from where the teams are SAT but we were not far away in Thailand if you recall was very tense I remember Victor ax pacing up and down and he was standing up and doing all he could from within the limits that they’re allowed to be cheering on and pushing his his teammates now we’re not quite at that stage yet but I as this progresses we’re going to start seeing something like that again it’s not even The Knockout stages yet it’s crazy isn’t it but it was the final group stage match as well if I recall well maybe it was the quarterfinal I think it was a quarterfinal perhaps you’re right not quite so much hanging on it but missed no challenge he knew that was [Applause] why but if you are not Indonesia or China it’s important to win the group yeah that’s the thing isn’t it you want to avoid those Nations yeah give yourself a chance of getting to at least the semi-final yes let’s see what happens there yeah disappointing there for shake of the head [Music] [Applause] [Music] five four every point being one yeah the team or half of them are standing [Applause] upmark team their silly hats on as well a few of them don’t know if we’ll get a shot of that later just been a good little period here for [Music] [Applause] you’re also hearing from rendin an instruction at every point now wasn’t happening earlier there for the taking well read by H but can he [Music] [Applause] miss come on [Music] oh that’s a brilliant shot from Justin H made it look so casual that shot little double action there is it here we go I [Music] think good followup [Music] too just to go back to what I was saying it was uh Denmark beat China 32 group stages then 3-2 they won against Korea in the quarterfinals and lost 3-2 in the [Applause] semi yeah so it was all very tight and they’re all coming down to that fifth match so it’s the third men singles it’s all on the third men singles isn’t it no pressure s in saying that the final last year India versus Indonesia and India won 3-0 3 yeah and all three I thought were going to go the other way R chess maybe two singles I think it was chrisy and kining yeah both lost yeah was confounding Thomas and Yuber cup because Korea beat China as well yeah in the women in the UT [Applause] fantastic surprising start to the third for me I didn’t think G would be so boyed up for it I thought you’re right he does seem I thought he would have been a bit shell shocked and a bit disappointed and a bit lost has kind of raised it hasn’t he yeah Justin H again making a few little [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] mistakes Shake of the head from git [Applause] brilliant he was moving towards that before G even played the shot his right foot here just it out there you go bang [Music] just out it is going to be challeng out [Music] Justin that is well true unsuccessful that was not just [Applause] didn’t really bad joke trying to help you out there than getting Fierce that midcut battle has got to be [Applause] finished do that [Music] [Applause] this is so tight at the [Music] [Applause] moment oh what a lock for [Music] G this stage will all be very very gladly accepted serve caught him earli with that effective interal CH leads by by two here crucial will that be little cushion of his 119 at the interval hey [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] go [Applause] 119 just ready ready Justin ho is taking a little bit of time to get himself prepared final half a game the team ch [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] disappointed missing that one [Applause] watch well judged go 10 [Music] 12 three points now then leads Justin H saw gka advancing on the net quickly was forced him to playing a tighter shot than he would have liked to K sort of taking a few chances [Applause] here 11 [Applause] it’s a nice knock off by he’s himself isn’t he yeah well he he was so low down when he tried to play the net shot that’s why Justin ho could take more of a chance you could put more eggs in that basket if you like you could you know 70% I’m going for the net 30% I’m looking backwards rather than 5050 did it again did it again same thing has happened it’s so low if he then lifts you’ve got time to go and get it so you may as well Edge forward looking for the next shot plays shot he a fool at least he has to play a better quality one than that now there’s more D instructions coming it was a lot quiet or earlier oh tumbles again good save and again off the ne you got to make your luck right he stuck it out didn’t he G through some tough times in there r [Music] [Applause] thank like you said though you make your own luck you know the perfect net shot is as close to the net as possible the perfect smash barely goes over the net and if it touches it fair [Applause] [Music] enough shini keeping Law and Order again [Applause] he’s gone wide are we seeing shades of the second half of the first game post interval where you felt Justin ho was controlling things but then making look I mean he’s he’s he’s barely 20 he had a year off so A Year Without bton 19 he’s playing like a junior player at times there’s a reason why you call it immature you’re not yet mature and he’s not he’s youthful exuberant yeah exactly you sort of expect it there are very few players that are late teams come through and play with a mature head and those that do people like Ron V Chen Chen all of them three times four times five times World Junior Champion you know they were that good young cuz not only were they gifted and talented they hard work and they had a mature mind about prous yeah well Justin’s not there [Applause] [Applause] yet that smash in on the floor from gka I think the Dame’s a little bit tired yeah I was just about to ask you that we said earlier he hasn’t got the biggest Smash in the world anyway but uh he was nowhere near the back tram lines earlier I think Justin feeling it too yeah little bit disguised I think on that perhaps from G [Music] [Applause] take something special now from Justus think they be very glad both these teams that they have they go long r at 37 shots they have a day off tomorrow yeah that shot [Applause] [Music] CGH the tape desperately needed that just [Music] know it it again Italian umpire keeping things in action [Applause] doesn’t have any challenges left 18 think was out challenges what do you think though what do you think of that one out out yeah just I think G was thought there was a challenge [Applause] coming we sat a long way away though it’s difficult from here [Applause] that is a bad bad Miss and it now looks like [Music] Denmark on their way we’ll see but we have seen 1913s already today being completely Whittle out so let’s see he needs to channel some of that now Justin Hope from his teammates earlier today think got too much experience no no challenges no challenges this is one he would have challenged I’m sure of it cuz I thought that was out as well I thought that caught the line person our replay team might be able to give us a little hopeful we got time we have time it as mat Point Match Point here seven of them for Rasmus git to top the group Shazad yeah massive there you go huge moment for Rasmus K and Denmark they have beaten Malaysia in an absorbing encounter that head-to-head now 118 in Malaysia’s favor but 52 in group stage Encounters in favor of [Applause] Denmar by finish I’m glad I bed up Justin ho and I’m glad to be honest he didn’t disappoint he made some attacking errors otherwise he’s got every chance of being a wonderful player moving forwards and I’m sure we’ll see that it’s just a shame today team event he needed to perform he didn’t quite keep his head well that was the highest ranked player he’s ever been up against as well he probably one of the lowest ranked players G’s played in the last few years apart from the one where he lost to Fabian Ro at the Y Thomas Cup finals uh a couple years ago so he’s exercise that go exactly but uh a really good match this one it’s been an amazing tie overall probably a big side of relief for Rasmus K as well huge but he can breathe easy now as can Denmark a day to recover Malaysia do they know they are through both were already through before this Rasmus G of Denmar beats Malaysia’s Justin H 2119 1921 2113 is’s done in 76 minutes and that brings an end to proceedings here as we look back at this where all the singles were won by Denmark the doubles were won by Malaysia and it means that Denmark have edged Malaysia 32 in this fantastic Thomas Cup group encounter and they will end up as the group winners Group D winners [Music] that brings an end to proceedings here for this evening tomorrow is day five we’ve got the last of the group matches to come that starts at 9:30 Bobby will be with you I will be bright and early looking forward to that and the second session at 5:00 where I will be joining you thanks a lot for joining us tonight it’s been absolutely brilliant we’ll see you again in a few hours [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] for [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] one [Applause] [Music] [Applause]