From Amiril Muttaqien Meketar
HORSENS, Denmark: Indonesia stayed on course for a second straight semi-final appearance in the Uber Cup after seeing off hosts Denmark 3-1 in the 2026 edition at Forum Horsens here today (May 1).
The decisive point came from third singles, Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, who rose to the occasion with a composed performance to triumph against Amalie Schulz during the quarterfinals action.
Ranked world No. 264, Ester defied the odds to stun the world No. 42 in straight sets, 21-13, 21-18, in just 43 minutes.
“I am very grateful that all the strategies planned with the coach went smoothly today and I won in straight sets,” she said in a post-match interview.
Indonesia had taken the early advantage through their top singles and world No. 6, Putri Kusuma Wardani, who produced a steady display to defeat world No. 20, Line Christophersen 21-12, 21-15.
Denmark responded through second singles, Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt, who levelled the tie with a 21-15, 21-16 win over Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi.
However, Indonesia regained control through main doubles pair, Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma-Meilysa Trias Puspitasari, who got past Amalie Cecilie Kudsk-Mette Werge 21-19, 21-11 before Ester turned hero for Indonesia to help them advance to the last four.
The three-time champions will next face two-time winners South Korea, who overcame Taiwan 3-1 in another quarterfinal tie.
The semi-finals of the prestigious badminton team tournament will take place this Saturday.
The other semi-finals tie will see defending champions China to take on Japan.
Earlier in the quarter-finals, China cruised passed Malaysia 3-0, while six-time champions Japan held off 2018 runners-up Thailand 3-1.
The Uber Cup Finals 2026, which kicked off April 24, will run until May 3. – BERNAMA
