TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s women’s badminton team advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 Uber Cup after defeating Denmark 3-1 in the quarterfinals at Forum Horsens in the early hours of Friday, May 1.
The decisive point was secured by Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, who defeated Denmark’s Amalie Schulz in straight games, 21-13, 21-18.
In the opening game, Ester faced strong resistance as the score was level at 6-6. She then seized control by winning three consecutive points to lead 11-7. Maintaining her momentum, she closed out the game 21-13.
The second game unfolded at a faster pace, with Ester briefly trailing before leveling the score at 8-8. At a crucial stage, she stayed composed and won three straight points to move ahead 17-16, before sealing the match 21-18. The victory confirmed Indonesia’s progression to the semifinals with a 3-1 win over host nation Denmark.
Indonesia had earlier taken the lead through Putri Kusuma Wardani, who defeated Line Christophersen 21-12, 21-15.
“I am very happy to contribute a point in the opening match. It is crucial because in the knockout stage, there is no second chance,” Putri said, as quoted by the Badminton Association of Indonesia.
Putri said she focused on controlling the tempo to avoid being dictated by her opponent, while anticipating Christophersen’s more aggressive approach compared to their previous meeting.
“We knew we would face Denmark as the host. I tried to stay calm and never give up,” she said.
Denmark leveled the tie at 1-1 after Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi lost to Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt 15-21, 16-21. Kadek acknowledged the difficulty of matching her opponent’s speed and reach.
“I tried to change my playing pattern, but she has wide coverage and quick pace. When the rallies slowed, she stepped up the attack,” she said.
Indonesia regained the lead at 2-1 through women’s doubles pair Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari, who beat Amalie Cecilie Kudsk and Mette Werge 21-19, 21-11.
Febriana said the win was helped by quick adaptation to court conditions despite the added pressure of the knockout stage.
“There was more pressure, but we are grateful we could overcome it,” she said.
Meilysa added that maintaining a high tempo was key to unsettling their opponents.
“We kept pushing the pace, and that made it difficult for them,” she said.
With the result, Indonesia will face South Korea in the semifinals. The Korean team, led by world-class player An Se-young, advanced after defeating Taiwan.
Read: Indonesia's Early Exit at 2026 Thomas Cup: What Went Wrong
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