Indonesia Open 2012: Sudket, Saralee thump Zhang Nan, Zhao Yunlei to secure berth in semi-finals
An upset was seen in quarter-final round of the Djarum Indonesia Open as lower ranked Sudket Prapakamol-Saralee Thoungthongkam snatched semi-final spot from Zhang Nan-Zhao Yunlei on June 15, 2012.
World Number one Chinese pair was hot favourite for the title but they could not live up to their billing against Thai campaigners in quarter-final match, staged in Istora Senayan Stadium of Jakarta.
Sudket and Saralee, who were underrated earlier in this tournament, passed this 57-minute test with distinctive figures of 21-18, 18-21 and 17-21.
This splendid win has raised their chances in this race for glory as now they will be up against lower ranked couple Ko Sung Hyun-Eom Hye Won of Korea.
Earlier in their encounter in the round of eight, they maintained their reputation of late bloomers as they lost very first set and then made amends in final segments of the show.
On the other hand, Chinese duo ruled in most part of opening game and served the notice of their supremacy over the opposing shuttlers.
They established a two-point lead initially and then raised it to three with 11-8 margin until mid-game break.
Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei enjoyed smooth ride in later part of tussle and registered 17-11 total with great ease before wrapping this segment of the show with 21-18.
However, they lost this rhythm unexpectedly in following game and allowed their challengers to level the match score.
This time the Thai campaigners did not commit any mistake and manipulated every loophole. They were at lower end earlier but after 6-8 they geared up themselves and reached at 11-8 with brisk pace.
Sudket and Saralee accelerated their seed immediately after the break and put their competitors under great pressure with 16-11.
There was below par performance from the opposing team and they lost crucial set with scoreboard flashing 18-21 margin against them.
The Chinese could not come out of this bad patch even in the decider as they made fatal mistakes which ultimately forced them to bid adieu.
Meanwhile, Mixed Doubles players of Thailand capitalised this opportunity and raised their hands as champions after putting decisive figure of 21-17.
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