Badminton powerhouse Indonesia is aiming for its 15th title at the Thomas Cup after defeating Thailand 4-1 in the second round of group stage on Monday.

Star pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto were upset by Thailand's Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul, but Indonesian shuttlers dominated their opponents in the other four matches.

Indonesian ace Anthony Sinisuka Ginting didn't meet world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the duel between the two sides' first singles players. The world No. 7 crushed Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul 21-16, 21-13 in 42 minutes.

Indonesia now tops Group C after having won its first two group matches.

"We expected before the game that they might send their top player, but maybe they had other tactics, so we prepared a lot of different strategies," said Ginting, adding that Indonesia has two advantages that will help them win the title.

"First of all, every one of our players is very good, such as Jonatan Christie, Alfian and Ardianto. They all got good results. Secondly, our team is very confident, we always encourage each other and never give up," Ginting added.

Christie, who ranked third in the world and won the Asia Championships two weeks ago, was considered another ace for Indonesia.

Christie defeated Saran Jamsri 21-16, 13-21, 21-12 in Monday's play.

Indonesia will next meet defending champion India, who swept England 5-0.

In the women's Uber Cup, Japan whitewashed Hong Kong, China 5-0, while Chinese Taipei beat Australia 4-1.

The championships, held in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, marked the 33rd edition of the Thomas Cup and the 30th edition of the Uber Cup, with each tournament featuring 16 teams in four groups and taking place from April 27 to May 5.

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