China beat England to close on Sudirman Cup
(Agencies)Updated: 2007-06-13 08:35
China kept a firm grip on the Sudirman Cup today when they trounced England 5-0 here on Tuesday to remain the only unbeaten side in Division 1 Group A and assured themselves of a semi-final place at the Sudirman Cup World Badminton Championships.
The five time champions have not yet dropped a game and now meet Malaysia in the final round-robin group match on Thursday.
England, who had scored a key win over Malaysia in the first round, all but acknowledged that the Chinese stars are unbeatable by resting their top mixed doubles couple, Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms.
 China's Lin Dan plays a shot during his match against England at the Sudirman Cup World Team Badminton Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, June 12, 2007.[Reuters]  |
In the men's singles, World Champion Lin Dan was pushed surprisingly close by world No.19 Andrew Smith in the first game before pulling off a 21-19 21-11 to send the record five time winners into easy street.
Zhang Ning, the world No.1, duly tied up the result with a straightforward 21-9 21-15 win over the Commonwealth Games Champion Tracey Hallam.
"I am delighted to go through so easily," said Chinese coach Li Yongbo.
"England didn't put out their best side but we don't mind who we play. We are here to defend the trophy."
In the other Division 1 Group A Group, newly-promoted Malaysia claimed a first win in Division 1 Group A when they won the final women's doubles match to clinch a dramatic 3-2 win over Thailand in a tie of fluctuating fortunes.
Thailand's mixed doubles pair of Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thoungthongkam took the opening point 21-17, 21-14 against Tan Wee Kiong and Woon Khe Wei but Lee Chong Wei beat Boonsak Ponsana 17-21, 21-10, 21-15 in the men's singles to make the score to 1-1.
Thailand then took the lead again through Salakjit Ponsana fighting back from a game down to beat Wong Mew Choo 17-21, 21-10, 21-15, but Malaysia's men's doubles pair Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong again levelled with a 21-12, 21-16 win over Prapakamol and Phattapol Ngensrisuk.
In the decider, Malaysia's Pei Tty Wong and Eei hui Chin danced with delight after pulling off a comfortable 21-16 21-12 victory over Duanganong Aroonkesorn and Kunchala Voravichitchaikul.
England now meet Thailand on Thursday, and should be favourites to join China in the semi-finals on Saturday.
But England team manager Ian Wright was playing down his side's chances.
"The Asians all think that Thailand will win," he said.
"It will definitely be a very close match."
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