BANGKOK: From Sea Games gold medallist to becoming a national hero, Busanan Ongbamrungphan on Friday delivered the winning point as Thailand made history by reaching their maiden Uber Cup final.
In fact, the host nation did it in style, stunning 14-time winners and defending champions China 3-2 to realise their dream.
This is also the first time since 1984 that China have failed to reach the Uber Cup final, and also the first since the departure of former head coach Li Yongbo.
"It is a dream come true, not just for me but for the entire team to be able to beat China to reach the final of the Uber Cup in front of our home fans," said a delighted Busanan, who saw off former Olympic gold medallist Li Xuerui 21-11, 21-9 in the deciding match.
"When I was sitting at the back and watching the rest of my teammates play, I could see that everyone was giving their best.
"I knew that when I took to court, I had to give it my all as well. To beat someone like Li Xuerui is no ordinary feat, this is amazing.
Former world champion Ratchanok Intanon gave the Thais a flying start when she saw off World No 5 Chen Yufei 15-21, 21-9, 21-14 in the first match.
World No 1 Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan then drew level for China with a 21-17, 22-20 win over Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai in the doubles.
Thailand regained their lead through Nitchaon Jindapol, who notched a 19-21, 21-19, 21-12 win over Gao Fangjie, before China's Huang Yaqiong-Tan Jinhua levelled the score with a 24-26, 21-17, 21-18 win over Puttita Supajirakul-Sapsiree Taerattanachai.
Busanan, who claimed the 2015 Singapore Sea Games gold, then sent Thailand into ecstasy, with a historic win over Xuerui, who was the gold medallist at the 2012 London Olympics.
Thailand will face top seeds Japan, who defeated South Korea 3-1, in the final on Saturday.