Big Guns Boom for China – Sudirman Cup ’19

Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong weathered Thailand’s opening salvo.

China strode into their 13th straight final of the World Mixed Team Championships for the Sudirman Cup today with a 3-0 rout of Thailand.

The ten-time winners are now one win away from reclaiming the title they lost at the last edition to Korea – which was only their second loss since 1993.

Raw men’s singles and underwhelming men’s doubles meant that Thailand’s hopes were pinned on the opening mixed doubles, for Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai were among the few pairs to have beaten the world’s best duo, Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, at the Singapore Open recently.

The Thais were flawless to begin with. They used soft crosscourt shots to take away the pace at which the Chinese revel and to keep Huang Yaqiong out of the action, and forced Zheng to dart from side to side with well-directed alternating high clears to the deep corners.

These tactics helped them to 12-7, raising visions of an early strike for Thailand.

Dip in Intensity

But the effort needed sustained discipline and intensity, and it was Taerattanachai who slipped first, caught napping by two flicked serves from Huang and making straightforward errors in defence. The slight let-up was all that the Chinese needed; Zheng was once again a storm at the back, and Huang miserly at the front.

Dechapol Puavarnukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai couldn’t capitalise on their start.

Puavaranukroh and Taerattanachai were fending off attacks and erred in clearing down the middle, from where Zheng’s attacks grew more potent. It fell into a pattern in which the Thais stood no chance. Zheng and Huang blew their opponents away in the second game: 21-18 21-7.

Taerattanachai admitted they could not wrest back the momentum: “We could only lift down the middle and they could attack us. Zheng was able to control us and we could not keep up our early tactics due to the pressure.”

Spirited Show from Wangcharoen

Kantaphon Wangcharoen punched above his weight against Shi Yuqi.

In the men’s singles that followed, Shi Yuqi was favourite over Kantaphon Wangcharoen, who was on the biggest stage of his nascent career.

The young Thai refused to be intimidated by the occasion or the reputation of his opponent. Like a young pugilist reeling from his opponent’s blows but refusing to back down, Wangcharoen was stubborn in the rallies and grabbed the half-chances that came his way.

He saved two match points and himself earned four, missing the last with a smash that went just wide. Shi had the experience and the ability to last out the test, and he duly converted his third match point (21-15 26-24) to extend China’s lead.

Li Junhui (left) and Liu Yuchen were always in their comfort zone.

Only a miracle could have saved Thailand in the men’s doubles, for non-regular pair Tinn Isriyanet/Kittinupong Kedren were up against world champions Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen.

The Thais provided something of a contest in the second game, staying level until 17, after which Li and Liu snuffed out the challenge, 21-14 21-17.

Chinese singles coach Xia Xuanze spoke appreciatively of his team: “It hasn’t been an easy journey to the final. I’m happy for all the players. The team is very young – most of them were born after 1996. I know they will all give their 100 per cent in the final.”

Talking Point

“We analysed the match after that loss and were prepared. As for our opponents I think their attitude changed as well after defeating us for the first time. That loss was a good lesson for us.” – Zheng Siwei, on recovering from the Singapore Open loss to Puavaranukroh/Taerattanachai

Sudirman Cup News

Sudirman Cup: The Most Thrilling Battles

Sudirman Cup: The Most Thrilling Battles

5 June 2019
Stars Who Shone; Those Who Didn’t

Stars Who Shone; Those Who Didn’t

4 June 2019
Key Moments: Chen vs. Yamaguchi – Sudirman Cup ‘19

Key Moments: Chen vs. Yamaguchi – Sudirman Cup ‘19

30 May 2019
Slovakia Daring to Dream – Sudirman Cup ’19

Slovakia Daring to Dream – Sudirman Cup ’19

28 May 2019
Key Moments: Shi vs. Momota – Sudirman Cup ‘19

Key Moments: Shi vs. Momota – Sudirman Cup ‘19

28 May 2019
As It Happened CHN vs JPN – Sudirman Cup ‘19

As It Happened CHN vs JPN – Sudirman Cup ‘19

27 May 2019
Celebrations and Concessions – Sudirman Cup ’19

Celebrations and Concessions – Sudirman Cup ’19

26 May 2019
China’s Young Heroes Reclaim Title – Sudirman Cup ’19

China’s Young Heroes Reclaim Title – Sudirman Cup ’19

26 May 2019
Park: We’re Going All Out! – Sudirman Cup ’19

Park: We’re Going All Out! – Sudirman Cup ’19

25 May 2019
Brilliant Canada Top Group 2 – Sudirman Cup ‘19

Brilliant Canada Top Group 2 – Sudirman Cup ‘19

25 May 2019
Indonesia Hobble Past Chinese Taipei – Sudirman Cup ’19

Indonesia Hobble Past Chinese Taipei – Sudirman Cup ’19

24 May 2019
Japan Stay on Track – Sudirman Cup ’19

Japan Stay on Track – Sudirman Cup ’19

24 May 2019
Jonassen: Young Generation ‘Hungry’ – Sudirman Cup ’19

Jonassen: Young Generation ‘Hungry’ – Sudirman Cup ’19

24 May 2019
Another Teen Star in the Making – Sudirman Cup ’19

Another Teen Star in the Making – Sudirman Cup ’19

24 May 2019
China Coast into Semis – Sudirman Cup ’19

China Coast into Semis – Sudirman Cup ’19

23 May 2019
Defending Champs Trip Over Thailand – Sudirman Cup ’19

Defending Champs Trip Over Thailand – Sudirman Cup ’19

23 May 2019
Netherlands Fight Back From Brink – Sudirman Cup ‘19

Netherlands Fight Back From Brink – Sudirman Cup ‘19

23 May 2019
Rankireddy Impressive in Comeback from Fracture

Rankireddy Impressive in Comeback from Fracture

23 May 2019
Final Eight Draw – Sudirman Cup ’19

Final Eight Draw – Sudirman Cup ’19

23 May 2019
Danes Deliver! – Sudirman Cup ’19

Danes Deliver! – Sudirman Cup ’19

22 May 2019
Korea Beat Chinese Taipei, Top Group – Sudirman Cup ’19

Korea Beat Chinese Taipei, Top Group – Sudirman Cup ’19

22 May 2019
No Stopping An Se Young! – Sudirman Cup ’19

No Stopping An Se Young! – Sudirman Cup ’19

22 May 2019
Israeli Youngster Embracing the Big Stage – Sudirman Cup ’19

Israeli Youngster Embracing the Big Stage – Sudirman Cup ’19

22 May 2019
Thailand Thwart Russia – Sudirman Cup ’19

Thailand Thwart Russia – Sudirman Cup ’19

21 May 2019
Pathway to Success for Kazakhstan – Sudirman Cup ’19

Pathway to Success for Kazakhstan – Sudirman Cup ’19

21 May 2019
Malaysia Edge Past India – Sudirman Cup ’19

Malaysia Edge Past India – Sudirman Cup ’19

21 May 2019
Continental Conquest! – Sudirman Cup ’19

Continental Conquest! – Sudirman Cup ’19

20 May 2019
Korea into Quarters – Sudirman Cup ’19

Korea into Quarters – Sudirman Cup ’19

20 May 2019
China Club Stint Powers Malkov – Sudirman Cup ’19

China Club Stint Powers Malkov – Sudirman Cup ’19

20 May 2019
Wake-Up Call for Japan – Sudirman Cup ’19

Wake-Up Call for Japan – Sudirman Cup ’19

20 May 2019
‘Greatest moment ever’ says Greenland – Sudirman Cup ’19

‘Greatest moment ever’ says Greenland – Sudirman Cup ’19

20 May 2019
China Brush Off Scare – Sudirman Cup ’19

China Brush Off Scare – Sudirman Cup ’19

19 May 2019
Iris Wang Unable to Resist Badminton’s Lure – Sudirman Cup ’19

Iris Wang Unable to Resist Badminton’s Lure – Sudirman Cup ’19

19 May 2019
Thrilling Win for Canada – Sudirman Cup ’19

Thrilling Win for Canada – Sudirman Cup ’19

19 May 2019
Learning Curve for Nepal – Sudirman Cup ’19

Learning Curve for Nepal – Sudirman Cup ’19

19 May 2019
Mixed Doubles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

Mixed Doubles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

19 May 2019
Speaking Their Minds – Sudirman Cup ’19

Speaking Their Minds – Sudirman Cup ’19

18 May 2019
Women’s Singles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

Women’s Singles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

18 May 2019
Denmark in Transition Phase – Sudirman Cup ’19

Denmark in Transition Phase – Sudirman Cup ’19

18 May 2019
Indonesia Hold the Aces in Group 1B

Indonesia Hold the Aces in Group 1B

17 May 2019
Final Preparations on Sudirman Cup Eve

Final Preparations on Sudirman Cup Eve

16 May 2019
India-Malaysia Duel Likely to Decide Group 1D

India-Malaysia Duel Likely to Decide Group 1D

15 May 2019
A Twist in the Tale – Sudirman Cup in the 2010s

A Twist in the Tale – Sudirman Cup in the 2010s

15 May 2019
Men’s Singles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

Men’s Singles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

14 May 2019
Spotlight On Canada-Germany Clash

Spotlight On Canada-Germany Clash

11 May 2019
Women’s Doubles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

Women’s Doubles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

10 May 2019
Tight Contest Expected between Netherlands, France

Tight Contest Expected between Netherlands, France

9 May 2019
Sung’s Pullout a Setback for Korea in Group 1C

Sung’s Pullout a Setback for Korea in Group 1C

8 May 2019
The Clash of Powerhouses – Sudirman Cup in the 90s

The Clash of Powerhouses – Sudirman Cup in the 90s

7 May 2019
Glory on Home Soil – Sudirman Cup ’89

Glory on Home Soil – Sudirman Cup ’89

3 May 2019
Men’s Doubles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

Men’s Doubles at Sudirman Cup – A Form Guide

2 May 2019
Spotlight on Japan, China – Sudirman Cup ’19

Spotlight on Japan, China – Sudirman Cup ’19

30 April 2019
Chinese Taipei Can Go Far – Sudirman Cup ’19

Chinese Taipei Can Go Far – Sudirman Cup ’19

27 April 2019
Everybody Wants to Beat Japan, Says Okuhara

Everybody Wants to Beat Japan, Says Okuhara

26 April 2019
Title Triumph Not Far Away, Says Nehwal

Title Triumph Not Far Away, Says Nehwal

25 April 2019
Loh Looks Forward to Team Challenge

Loh Looks Forward to Team Challenge

24 April 2019
‘Team Spirit and Self-Belief are Important’: Wong Choong Hann

‘Team Spirit and Self-Belief are Important’: Wong Choong Hann

23 April 2019
China’s Trump Cards – Zheng & Huang

China’s Trump Cards – Zheng & Huang

22 April 2019
Intanon Optimistic About Thailand’s Chances

Intanon Optimistic About Thailand’s Chances

21 April 2019
Kidambi Keen to Lead India to Team Glory

Kidambi Keen to Lead India to Team Glory

20 April 2019
Month-Long Countdown Begins for Sudirman Cup

Month-Long Countdown Begins for Sudirman Cup

19 April 2019
‘Looking to Convert Pressure into Motivation’: Zhang Jun

‘Looking to Convert Pressure into Motivation’: Zhang Jun

19 April 2019
Setback for Korea’s Sudirman Cup Preparations

Setback for Korea’s Sudirman Cup Preparations

25 March 2019

Early Test for Hosts China: Sudirman Cup Draw

19 March 2019
Japan Get Top Billing – Sudirman Cup

Japan Get Top Billing – Sudirman Cup

11 March 2019
Hosts Ready as Sudirman Cup Countdown Begins

Hosts Ready as Sudirman Cup Countdown Begins

20 February 2019
Sudirman Cup Attracts 32 Entries

Sudirman Cup Attracts 32 Entries

18 February 2019
GoDaddy Extends Major Events Partnership with BWF

GoDaddy Extends Major Events Partnership with BWF

11 February 2019
Sudirman Cup the Final Frontier for Park

Sudirman Cup the Final Frontier for Park

25 January 2019
PARTNERS