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Denmark pip Indonesia to seal landmark Thomas Cup victory

Denmark became the first European country to lift the Thomas Cup on Sunday, winning the final 3-2 against Indonesia, the most successful nation in the history of the biennial men's badminton team championship.
Indonesia clinched both doubles matches but Viktor Axelsen, Jan Jorgensen and Hans-Kristian Vittinghus won their singles contests to power Denmark to an emotional triumph against the 13-times champions.
Vittinghus sealed the landmark victory with a smash down-the-line, triggering wild celebrations in the Denmark camp at the Kunshan Sports Centre in China's Jiangsu province. The 30-year-old looked dazed after his 21-15 21-7 win over Ihsan Maulana Mustofa as team mates, many in tears, mobbed him before forming a celebratory huddle.
Axelsen gave Denmark a perfect start when he outplayed Tommy Sugiarto 21-17 21-18 in less than an hour. After conceding the first game, Sugiarto put up a better display in the second and led 18-15 before reeling off six points in a row to put Denmark ahead. Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan won the first doubles against Mads Pieler Kolding and Mads Conrad Petersen 21-18 21-13 to draw level before Jorgensen put Denmark ahead again.
The 28-year-old, who missed the semifinal against Malaysia with a hip injury, beat Anthony Ginting 21-17 21-12. Indonesia flexed their doubles muscle again through Angga Pratama and Ricky Karanda Suwardi to level the contest but Vittinghus remained calm in the final singles to clinch it for Denmark.