Shaky China whips India 5-0
Source: AFP |
May 20, 2013, Monday
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DEFENDING champion China experienced a shaky start to its Sudirman Cup title defence despite whipping India 5-0 in its opening Group A match in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday.
So distraught were the Chinese officials over their players' lackluster performances that they stayed away from the official press conference after their tie.
The eight-time winner of the trophy, which is gunning for its fifth consecutive crown, took more than three hours to subdue its opponent to guarantee itself a place in the quarterfinals.
The third team in Group A is former champion Indonesia, which will play India today.
With only three teams in each of the four groups, the top two countries will qualify for Thursday's quarterfinals.
More worryingly for China was the form of world champion Wang Yihan, who was stretched to three games by upcoming Indian star P. V. Sindhu. Sindhu was playing in place of the injured Saina Nehwal.
Saina, who has moved up to world No. 2 in the world rankings, withdrew from the tournament with a hairline fracture on her toe.
The lanky Wang Yihan, who spoke after her 19-21, 21-16, 21-14 victory, said: "She (Sindhu) is a tough opponent.
"I should have won the first game but threw it away. She is young and hungry and took me by surprise and I couldn't cope.
"I found my rhythm in the second game and took control from then on. I hope I can play in more matches after this."
In another Division 1 match, Denmark outplayed Singapore 4-1.
The Europeans, who are undergoing a transitional period following the retirement of legendary shuttlers Peter Gade and Tine Baun, will take on Japan tomorrow.
The Danes, who have reached 10 of 12 Sudirman Cup semifinals, have taken heart from their great start.
Gade's heir apparent, Jan O Jorgensen, was bullish about his team's chances despite the absence of their two super stars.
"It is definitely a big blow to lose someone like Peter. He is a superb team player and led the team to many medals in the past," said Jorgensen after 17-21, 21-9, 21-13 victory over Derek Wong.
"I'm still confident our team can win a medal in this tournament. It won't be easy but we are very determined to show what we can do."
So distraught were the Chinese officials over their players' lackluster performances that they stayed away from the official press conference after their tie.
The eight-time winner of the trophy, which is gunning for its fifth consecutive crown, took more than three hours to subdue its opponent to guarantee itself a place in the quarterfinals.
The third team in Group A is former champion Indonesia, which will play India today.
With only three teams in each of the four groups, the top two countries will qualify for Thursday's quarterfinals.
More worryingly for China was the form of world champion Wang Yihan, who was stretched to three games by upcoming Indian star P. V. Sindhu. Sindhu was playing in place of the injured Saina Nehwal.
Saina, who has moved up to world No. 2 in the world rankings, withdrew from the tournament with a hairline fracture on her toe.
The lanky Wang Yihan, who spoke after her 19-21, 21-16, 21-14 victory, said: "She (Sindhu) is a tough opponent.
"I should have won the first game but threw it away. She is young and hungry and took me by surprise and I couldn't cope.
"I found my rhythm in the second game and took control from then on. I hope I can play in more matches after this."
In another Division 1 match, Denmark outplayed Singapore 4-1.
The Europeans, who are undergoing a transitional period following the retirement of legendary shuttlers Peter Gade and Tine Baun, will take on Japan tomorrow.
The Danes, who have reached 10 of 12 Sudirman Cup semifinals, have taken heart from their great start.
Gade's heir apparent, Jan O Jorgensen, was bullish about his team's chances despite the absence of their two super stars.
"It is definitely a big blow to lose someone like Peter. He is a superb team player and led the team to many medals in the past," said Jorgensen after 17-21, 21-9, 21-13 victory over Derek Wong.
"I'm still confident our team can win a medal in this tournament. It won't be easy but we are very determined to show what we can do."
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