Taufik says the Axiata Cup is a good warm-up run for Thomas Cup finals
The badminton maestro of Indonesia, Taufik Hidayat stated that the Axiata Cup provided good practice for the Thomas Cup finals, set to be held in Wuhan, China from May 20-27.
It seems everything went in Indonesia’s favour in Axiata Cup as both of their teams, Garuda and Rajawali, have reached into the finals which are going to be staged from April 13, 2012 in Jakarta.
The former World and Olympic Champion, Taufik Hidayat led from the front in this race and took his team to the final round of the event.
Taufik thinks the first million-dollar team event Axiata Cup was scheduled at the right time as they relished the opportunity to get in shape before the esteemed Thomas Cup finals.
He said, “We are using the Axiata Cup as part of our preparation for the Thomas Cup Finals. Playing here in the Axiata Cup will give the coaches an idea on selecting the best for the Finals.”
The 30-year-old Taufik utilised his experience and brilliance to escort his country to glory. He gave a strong statement about his age and fitness by overpowering relatively young Malaysian shuttlers Daren Liew and Arif Abdul Latif in the semi-final round.
Malaysia had to bear the absence of their prime shuttlers Lee Chong Wei and the duo Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong as Taufik believes it worked in their favour as they pocketed the full benefits and clinched the two available spots in the finals.
He said, “Malaysia is our strongest rivals. They did not field Lee Chong Wei and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong but it’s their loss. We took advantage of it to assure a title for our country. We are happy that both our teams have reached the final.”
The World Number 11 Taufik looked happy with all-Indonesia final and he hoped that Garuda will establish their authority over the Rajawali.
The first string team the Garuda comprises of Taufik along with Simon Santoso and Sony Dwi Kuncoro as singles shuttlers while back-up squad Rajawali will be depending on Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka and Tommy Sugiarto in the singles event.
The final match is offering the lucrative amount of $400,000 to the winner and $200,000 for the runners-up of the Axiata Cup.
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