China lost the men’s team badminton gold medal to Indonesia at the Asian Games following a 3-2 comeback finale, ending a dominant run in the continental team event. Indonesia secured its first men’s team badminton gold at the Asian Games since 1998, deploying a balanced roster of singles and doubles players to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the final match.
How Indonesia Overturned a 2-0 Deficit
Team competitions have long served as benchmarks for depth in racquet sports, and China entered the final as heavy favorites after securing victories against South Korea in the quarterfinals and India in the semifinals. The final began in favor of the defending powerhouse when men’s singles Shi Yuqi faced world No. 1 Jonatan Christie. Shi capitalized on his peak form, defeating Christie 21-13, 21-18.
China extended its lead to 2-0 in the second match. Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang held off an energetic challenge from the Indonesian doubles pair of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, winning 22-20, 19-21, 21-14.
Alwi and Carnando-Marthin Spark the Comeback
Facing a two-match deficit, Indonesia needed a spark from 21-year-old singles player Farhan Alwi, ranked No. 10, against China’s Li Shi Feng, the world No. 12. Alwi dropped a tight opening set 23-21 before leveling the match with a 21-15 win. Showing remarkable composure in the deciding game, Alwi closed out a 21-16 victory to put Indonesia on the scoreboard at 1-2.
/vidio-web-prod-video/uploads/video/image/1453927/china-vs-indonesia-badminton-beregu-putri-asian-games-2018-full-match-c1a267.jpg "Indonesia Beats China to Win Asian Games Badminton Gold After Comeback")
Momentum shifted further in the fourth match. The Indonesian doubles combination of Carnando en Marthin defeated China’s He Ji Ting and Liu Yi in straight sets, 23-21, 21-10, leveling the team score at 2-2 and silencing the favored Chinese side.
Zaki Clinches the Gold in the Decider
With the gold medal hanging in the balance, the final singles match pitted 19-year-old Ubaidillah Zaki against 27-year-old Chinese veteran Weng Hongyang, ranked No. 18 in the world. Weng established an early 3-0 lead in the first set, displaying superior pace.
However, Zaki steadily worked his way back into the rallies, securing the opening set 23-21. As fatigue and unforced errors mounted for Weng in the second set, Zaki capitalized decisively, winning 21-13 to complete the 3-2 team triumph. The victory marks a historic milestone for Indonesian badminton, capturing the nation’s first men’s team title at the Games in more than two decades.
