The all-conquering Indonesians sealed an unprecedented fifth successive Thomas Cup crown on Sunday as they shattered Malaysian dreams with a dramatic come-from-behind victory.
Malaysia had come into the match with high hopes of an upset but could not deny the mighty Indonesians, losing out 2-3 despite setting a 2-1 lead.
In the end it was heartbreak for the challengers at the hands of the champions, who have monopolized the prestigious trophy -- the men's world team championship -- since 1994.
World champion Hendrawan was the hero as he outgunned Malaysian veteran Hashim M Roslin 8-7, 7-2, 7-1 in the final match to clinch the Indonesians' 13th Thomas Cup win and spark wild celebrations.
The opening game of the final had seen a fired-up Malaysian world number five Wong Choong Hann blaze past Indonesian number one Marleve Mainaky 7-5, 7-5, 7-1 in 45 explosive minutes. Attention then turned to a highly anticipated clash between the two best doubles pairings in the elite eight-team event.
However, it proved to be a no-contest, with the 1997 Indonesian world champions Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto putting on an awesome display to demolish the world number one duo of Chan Chong Ming and Chew Choon Eng 7-3, 7-4, 7-2 in a lopsided contest. Bureau Report