The burning desire to sing the national anthem at the victory ceremony saw Indonesia’s mixed doubles pair, top seeds Le Rolly Carnando-Indah Cahya Sari Jamil stage a magnificent fightback to beat China’s No 2 seeds Feng Yan Zhe-Lin Fang Ling 16-21, 22-20, 22-20 in a 69-minute thriller.
 
The reigning World Junior champions broke the hearts of the home fans who had turned out in full force at the Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre. The Chinese pair just could not handle the pressure of winning the first title of the day to make up for the failure to win the mixed team gold.
 
“We crumbled under pressure,” said a disappointed Yan Zhe on the defeat.
 
For Indonesia, it was pure joy and delight.
 
“This is the victory we wanted badly for our preparations for the world junior (in Kazan, Russia) later this year. It was a tough match but we never gave up. The desire to sing our national anthem kept us going.
 
“Even when China had two championship points in the second and third games we were not rattled,” said Carnando who will also feature in the men’s doubles final with Daniel Marthin as second seeds.
 
They play China’s top seeds Di Zi Jian-Wang Chang, who are also the reigning world junior champions.
 
A delighted Indah Cahya said: “Our prayers were answered. It was a sweet win that made up for winning only the silver in the mixed team event.
 
“This win will inspire us for the world championships,” added Carnando. – Badminton Asia
RESULTS (ALL FINALS)
 
Mixed doubles
 
Leo Rolly Carnando-Indah Cahya Sari Jamil (Ina) beat Feng Yang Zhe-Lin Fang Ling (Chn) 16-21, 22-20, 22-20
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