The Unofficial 2008 Beijing Olympics Blog

Indonesia reclaimed the Badminton Men’s Doubles gold medal after eight years, thanks to Hendra Setiawan and Markis Kido, who defeated Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng of China in the final on August 16.

Ranking No. 1 in the world, the Indonesian pair only conceded one game in their first three matches. Their opponents, World No. 3 Cai and Fu, however, were in even better form in this tournament, sweeping three matches without losing a single game.

Powered by a phenomenal home crowed, Cai and Fu continued their streak in the first game, winning comfortably 21-12. Setiawan and Kido couldn’t locate their offensive touch in game and spent most of their time on defense.

The World No. 1 pair made a quick adjustment to their tactics, though, and started the second game with a 9-3 run. They sped up their own rhythm in attack and caused disturbance to the Chinese pair’s rhythm. Without much of a struggle, Setiawan and Kido took the second game 21-11.

The last game was a repeat of the second game. Setiawan and Kido held on to their momentum and led the game from start to finish. With a return from the Chinese going out, Setiawan and Kido won the game 21-16 and collapsed onto the floor in jubilation.

This gold medal is not only the Indonesian pair’s best achievement, but also their team’s first Badminton gold in Beijing

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