Australian Open hosts break 14-year curse with thrilling victory
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Conor Hudson
Mon Jun 17 2024
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The Australian Open badminton tournament witnessed a historic moment as hosts Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu ended a 14-year curse with a stunning performance. Their courageous efforts led them to defeat Sung Shuo Yun and Yu Chien Hui in a nail-biting match to secure the last spot in the women's doubles semifinals.
Mapasa and Yu's victory also marked the end of a 15-year wait for Australia in the women's doubles category, as they competed fiercely against Huang Chia-Chi and He Tian Tang, the runners-up in 2009. It was a significant year for local fans as they saw their players reach the Australian Open semifinals across various categories – including Huang in women's singles, Saliya Gunaratne and Chad Whitehead in men's doubles, and He Tian Tang with Ben McCarthy in mixed doubles.
After their remarkable win, Yu expressed her elation, describing the moment as a dream come true. The jubilant laughter and joy within her reflected the significance of the day for Australian badminton. Mapasa also emphasized the importance of teamwork, highlighting the extraordinary achievement considering their short time together as a pair and crediting their success to the unity among herself, Angela, and their coach.
Addressing the impact of the supportive fans, Yu emphasized the collective encouragement from family, nation, and spectators, fueling their performance on the court. The positive results come at a crucial time for the world number 27 pair, just ahead of their participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Their recent quarterfinal appearance at the Malaysia Masters marked a significant improvement, boosting their confidence for the upcoming challenges.
Looking ahead, Yu expressed her happiness at their progress and hopes to continue advancing further. To achieve their next milestone, Mapasa and Yu will face the second seeds, Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Amallia Cahaya Pratiwi, whom they had previously defeated in the Round of 16 at the Swiss Open in March.
Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu's breakthrough victory at the Australian Open not only ended a long-standing drought for Australian badminton but also showcased their resilience, teamwork, and potential for future success. The support from fans and their remarkable journey exemplify the spirit of the sport, setting the stage for more thrilling matches and milestones in their badminton careers.