Strong Show by Denmark, Indonesia

Group D powerhouses Denmark and Indonesia got their campaigns going with comprehensive victories in their opening ties at the TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2025.

Denmark were expected to face a difficult challenge in the two singles by India, but came through rather impressively to chalk up a 4-1 result, while Indonesia whitewashed England 5-0.

Anders Antonsen had never lost a match on his birthday, and he kept that record alive, holding off HS Prannoy in 49 minutes, 21-15 21-16.

By the time Line Kjaersfeldt came on for her fourth match against Pusarla V Sindhu, Denmark had taken the tie 3-0. The Dane had never beaten the Indian in five previous matches, but she has been in form lately, reaching the Swiss Open final and winning the European Championships. Kjaersfeldt overcame deficits of 16-20 and 12-19 in either game to come away victorious at 22-20 23-21.

“It was a tough match,” said Kjaersfeldt. “It’s nice to finally beat her and I’m happy with my comeback in the second game. It was nice to get going for Denmark. I was trying to be aggressive, but still be OK with defence because she’s got a great attack, so cannot be in control all the time. I tried to be positive and enjoy the game.

“I feel quite good. I won the European Games and was in the final of the Swiss Open, so the last month has been good, so I’m trying to build on that and remember that I can play good.”

Tanisha Crasto/Shruti Mishra pulled off a surprise in the fifth match over Natasja Anthonisen/Alexandra Boje to earn a consolation win for India.

Indonesia beat England 5-0

It was smooth sailing for Indonesia until the very last match, when Callum Hemming/Estelle van Leeuwen nearly upset Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari. However, the Indonesians were steady at the end and completed the 5-0 rout.

Making his debut at a major event for Indonesia was Muhammad Zaki Ubaidillah, who made it 3-0 for his team beating Nadeem Dalvi.

“Of course this is my first Sudirman Cup and I’m happy to be here and get a point for the team,” said the World Junior bronze medallist. “My seniors told me a lot of things as they have more experience. They told me to enjoy the match and I’m thankful for the opportunity. When I heard I was chosen, I was like ‘Why me?” But I wanted to do my best.”

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