Bruised after a 0-5 whitewash to Korea in their last group tie on Wednesday, Japan managed to pick themselves up and edge Thailand to make the semifinals of the TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2023.

Takuro Hoki, the team captain, was instrumental in lifting the team before their quarterfinal against Thailand today. Japan were certainly a more spirited team than the one that capitulated to Korea, and appropriately enough, it was Hoki, in the company of Yugo Kobayashi, who nailed the last point in the fifth match of the tie.

Yet, it could so easily have been a 3-0 result for Thailand. Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai had three match points in the opening encounter against Kyohei Yamashita/Naru Shinoya; the three missed opportunities would cost them dear.

“We felt down after losing 0-5 to Korea, but our captain Hoki was very positive,” Yamashita said. “Even though we lost, Hoki kept up the positivity in the team and gave us a lot of energy, so we’re glad to have him as captain.”

Pornpawee Chochuwong struck for Thailand overpowering an out-of-sorts Akane Yamaguchi, even leading 12-1 at one point in the third game, before Kunlavut Vitidsarn put the Thais 2-1 ahead with a clinical demolition job of Kodai Naraoka.

The doubles then came to Japan’s rescue, although it was hard work all the way. Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama survived end-game jitters against Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai, helping Japan draw level 2-2. Hoki and Kobayashi were embroiled in a cracker of a final game versus Puavaranukroh/Kittinupong Kedren before the Japanese just about breasted the tape ahead of the Thais.

“Hoki is a very experienced player and was important in lifting the confidence of the younger members of the team,” said Shida.

Hoki himself laughed off his contribution. “I think everybody contributed. Everyone in the team is a professional. We could motivate each other, so it’s not just my contribution.”

Korea beat Chinese Taipei

In the other quarterfinal of the morning session, Korea beat Chinese Taipei 3-1, with the tie unfortunately ending with Lee Yang retiring due to a left ankle injury.

The lone point for Chinese Taipei came through Chou Tien Chen, who beat Lee Yun Gyu to make it 1-1.

Tai Tzu Ying and An Se Young were involved in another enthralling contest, particularly in the second game, before a couple of errors from Tai gave An the opening she needed to take the match.

Kim Won Ho and Na Sung Seung were leading Lee Yang/Ye Hong Wei after a tight opening game before Lee injured himself. He bravely carried on for a few more points before the effort proved too hard.

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