KUNSHAN: Denmark became the first European country to lift the Thomas Cup on Sunday, winning the final 3-2 against Indonesia, the most successful nation in the history of the biennial men’s badminton team championship.

The Danes, eight-time runners-up, had lost four previous finals to Indonesia, who were trying for a record-extending 14th championship.

Hans-Kristian Vittinghus led the Danes to victory in the fifth and final match of the tie on the back of strong singles performances from fourth-ranked Viktor Axelsen and world number five Jan O. Jorgensen as Indonesia clinched both doubles matches.

Vittinghus sealed the landmark victory with a smash down-the-line, triggering wild celebrations in the Denmark camp at the Kunshan Sports Centre in China’s Jiangsu province.

The 30-year-old looked dazed after his 21-15, 21-7 win over Ihsan Maulana Mustofa as team mates, many in tears, mobbed him before forming a celebratory huddle.

Axelsen beat Tommy Sugiarto 21-17, 21-18 in the opening singles match but Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan pulled Indonesia even by beating Mads Conrad-Petersen and Mads Pieler Kolding 21-18, 21-13 in doubles.

Jorgensen beat Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 21-17, 21-12 to restore the lead for Denmark before Angga Pratama and Ricky Karanda Suwardi made it 2-2 with a 21-16, 21-14 win over Kim Astrop and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen but Vittinghus remained calm in the final singles.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2016