The final between Thailand and Japan began with a matchup of both team’s super stars — Akane Yamaguchi (JPN) and Ratchanok Intanon (THA). Despite Intanon’s best efforts, Yamaguchi eventually proved too much for her, winning 21-15, 21-19. “I was a little nervous. Ratchanok is strong from the back of the court, so I tried to keep her off-balance by varying my shots. I am happy to win this match,” Yamaguchi told BWF.
Japanese pair Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota won the next doubles match 21-18, 21-12 to take a 2-0 lead, quieting the Thai crowd. When Nozomi Okuhara came to court for the third match, it proved to be a quick one, as she won 21-12, 21-9, and sealed Japan’s first Uber Cup title since 1981.
Despite the final score line, Thailand played a tournament to be proud of. After pushing past Indonesia (3-2) in the quarter-finals, they stunned on Friday, upsetting team China, who has won 14 of the last 17 Uber Cup championships, with a hotly contested 3-2 victory.
Yonex is proud to support both the Japan and Thailand teams with bags and uniforms.
Akane Yamaguchi: ASTROX 77
Yuki Fukushima: ASTROX 88 D, BG80, POWER CUSHION AERUS 2 LADIES
Sayaka Hirota: ASTROX 88 S, NANOGY 95, POWER CUSHION 65 Z LADIES
Ratchanok Intanon: ASTROX 77, POWER CUSHION 03 Z LADIES
Full Results