Chilean fans grieved their team’s World Cup exit but kept upbeat about the future of the young squad after their best performance at the tournament in decades.
Chile’s transformation from a splintered team with little talent just a few years ago into a disciplined, attacking unit yielded much praise.
“We have lost but it doesn’t matter because we will be champions in the next World Cup,” said Juan Serna, a 22-year-old student.
Fans said their team had helped lift the spirits of a nation still reeling from a massive earthquake in February that killed hundreds.
“I want to thank each and every one of our players ... let’s never forget that Chile is set for great victories in the future, so let’s cheer up because better times are coming,” Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said.
“I’m a little sad because we have lost, but happy for what the team has done,” said Carla Pulgar, 24. “Our happiness may be over, but we are going to go forward stronger than before because of the way the World Cup united us.”
OUT AGAINST INDONESIA: Taiwan reached the semi-finals at the tournament for the first time by defeating Denmark, with Chou Tien-chen beating Viktor Axelsen Taiwan yesterday crashed out of the Thomas Cup team competition in Chengdu, China, but achieved their best result at the top-tier badminton event by reaching the semi-finals. Indonesia were too good in the semis, winning 3-0 to advance to today’s final against China, who eliminated Malaysia 3-1. In the opening singles of the men’s team clash at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium 2, Anthony Ginting defeated Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen 21-18, 21-19 in 51 minutes, which put a huge hole in Taiwan’s aspirations to perhaps even make the final. In the men’s doubles, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Ardianto downed Lee Yang and Wang
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Top-ranked Iga Swiatek on Saturday came through “the most intense and crazy final” she has ever contested to avenge her loss to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid Open final with a grueling three hour, 11 minute victory in the Spanish capital. Coming back from 1-3 down in the decider and saving three match points in total, Swiatek claimed a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory to secure the Madrid Open trophy for the first time. “Well, who is going to say now that women’s tennis is boring, right?” Swiatek said. Swiatek, who picked up the 20th title of her career, and ninth at
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