In the only final without Chinese participation, Muhammad Shohibul FIKRI and Daniel MARTHIN from Indonesia and Kittinupong KEDREN and Dechapol PUAVARANUKROH from Thailand faced each other in the men's doubles. The pairings already played against each other at the Thailand Masters in February. FIKRI/MARTHIN won in two sets against the Thais, who are ranked 20 places behind the Indonesians in the world rankings.
In Basel, KEDREN/PUAVARANUKROH got off to a brilliant start in the first set and gave the favourites no chance. The Thais were also able to keep their opponents at bay in the second set. At 8:4, however, FIKRI/MARTHIN had also warmed up. They put their opponents under pressure with fast-paced rallies and saved themselves in the deciding set.
The Thais were 4:0 ahead in this set before FIKRI/MARTHIN seized the initiative and took the serve. Then came the powerful smash duels. After the break at 11:9, the Thais appeared more composed. KEDREN/PUAVARANUKROH put their opponents in trouble several times by placing their smashes and defence better in their opponents' court. They also made a few mistakes, but not enough to jeopardise their victory in the men's doubles competition.
After a thrilling hour and 8 minutes, KEDREN/PUAVARANUKROH won 21:15, 18:21 and 21:14 against the favourites from Indonesia.
