Indonesia produced a remarkable comeback at the Asian Games, overturning a 2-0 deficit against defending champions China to claim the men's team badminton gold and end a 28-year wait for the title.
China appeared firmly in control after taking the first two matches, but Indonesia refused to give up. Wins from Alwi Farhan, Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin, and teenager Zaki Ubaidillah turned the final around as Indonesia completed a 3-2 victory.
China made the stronger start in Ichinomiya City, with Shi Yuqi putting them ahead after defeating Jonatan Christie 21-13, 21-18 in the opening singles.
Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang then moved China within one win of the gold after overcoming Fajar Alfian and Shohibul Fikri 22-20, 19-21, 21-14 in a 71-minute battle.
With Indonesia facing elimination, Alwi Farhan delivered the breakthrough they needed.
Making his Asian Games debut, Alwi battled past Li Shi Feng in an 87-minute contest, winning 23-21, 15-21, 21-16 to keep Indonesia's hopes alive.
The momentum then swung decisively in Indonesia's favour.
Carnando and Marthin followed with a convincing 23-21, 21-10 victory over He Ji Ting and Liu Yi in 44 minutes, bringing the tie level at 2-2 and forcing a deciding fifth match.
Source: Kompas.com
That left the gold medal in the hands of another Indonesian debutant, Zaki Ubaidillah, who faced Weng Hong Yang in the final singles rubber.
Zaki admitted he was nervous at the start, but managed to stay composed with the help of his coaches.
"I felt nervous at the beginning, but I kept reassuring myself to stay calm. The coaches also helped me stay focused," Zaki said.
The 19-year-old held his nerve when it mattered most, edging the opening game 23-21 before taking control of the second to win 21-13. His 51-minute victory completed Indonesia's comeback and sparked celebrations among the team.
The triumph ended Indonesia's 28-year wait for the men's team title. Their previous gold medals came in 1962, 1970, 1978, 1994 and 1998, making this their sixth Asian Games gold in the event.
The victory also provided a response after Indonesia's disappointing group-stage exit at the Thomas Cup earlier this year.
For China, the defeat ended their bid for a third straight men's team title and denied them a potential team double after their women's side had already secured gold.
India and Thailand took the bronze medals, but the men's team final belonged to Indonesia, who completed one of the most dramatic comebacks of the Games.
