Uber Cup: Ester Shines as Indonesia Dump Denmark 3-1

HORSENS (Denmark), May 1 — Indonesia stayed on course for a second straight semi-final appearance in the Uber Cup after seeing off hosts Denmark 3-1 in 2026 edition at Forum Horsens here.

The decisive point came from third singles Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, who rose to the occasion with a composed performance to triumph against Amalie Schulz during the quarter-finals action.

Ranked world No. 264, Ester defied the odds to stun the world No. 42 in straight sets, 21-13, 21-18, in just 43 minutes.

“I am very grateful that all the strategies planned with the coach went smoothly today and I won in straight sets,” she said in a post match interview.

Indonesia had taken the early advantage through their top singles and world No. 6 Putri Kusuma Wardani, who produced a steady display to defeat world No. 20 Line Christophersen 21-12, 21-15.

Denmark responded through second singles Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt, who levelled the tie with a 21-15, 21-16 win over Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi.

However, Indonesia regained control through main doubles pair Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma-Meilysa Trias Puspitasari, who got past Amalie Cecilie Kudsk-Mette Werge 21-19, 21-11 before Ester turned hero for Indonesia to help them advance to the last four.

The three-time champions will next face two-time winners South Korea, who overcame Taiwan 3-1 in another quarter-final tie.

The semi-finals of the prestigious badminton team tournament will take place this Saturday.

The other semi-finals tie will see defending champions China to take on Japan.

Earlier in the quarter-finals, China cruised passed Malaysia 3-0, while six-time champions Japan held off 2018 runners-up Thailand 3-1.

The Uber Cup Finals 2026, which kicked off April 24, will run until May 3.