RI WOMEN'S TEAM QUALIFIES FOR UBER CUP FINALS

Jakarta, Feb 27 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian women's badminton team followed the men's team on Saturday, securing a place in the Uber Cup final round in Malaysia on May 9-16 after beating India 3-0.

At the semi-finals in Nakorn Rachasima, Thailand, Adriyanti Firdasari opened the team's victory over India, beating the world's seventh-ranked Saina Nehwal in a straight set 21-6, 21-16, to lead to the finals of the Asia Zone qualification round.

Greysia Polii/Nitya Krishindo followed with another victory over Indian Shruti Kurian/Aparna Balan 21-16, 21-15.

Maria Kristin completed the country's team's victory 3-0 defeating Sayali Gokhale 24-22, 21-12.

In the finals on Sunday Indonesia would meet Korea which they defeated on Friday to compete for the best title in the qualification round.
The best three of the round automatically go to the Uber Cup final round in Malaysia.

"We were optimistic we would win against India but Firdasari's victory was beyond expectations. It was because of their spirit that they could overcome their opponents," secretary genearl of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), Yacob Rusdianto, said.

He said the team still had the will to win against the Korean team on Sunday.

"We wish to win to increase the team's self-confidence and to meet the people's wish for the return of the country's badminton achievements," Yacob said.

Regarding the formation for the finals on Sunday he said it would still have yet to be discussed.