Holders China too strong for Thailand
Thailand’s second-string team lost to defending champions China 5-0 in their final group match of the Sudirman Cup mixed team championships at Carrara Sport and Leisure Centre in Gold Coast, Australia yesterday.
Both teams have already qualified for the quarter-finals following their opening wins against Hong Kong.
The 10-time champions and hot favourites China, who also fielded a weakened line-up for their second match yesterday, will now go through to the last eight as Group 1A winners.
In the men’s doubles event, Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh lost to Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen 11-21, 19-21.
Pornpawee Chochuwong, replacing Ratchanok Intanon in the women’s singles event, fell to Chen Yufei 16-21, 15-21.
Chen Long also proved too strong for Khosit Phetpradab as the Chinese star won their rubber 21-13, 21-12.
Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai fell to Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan 21-23, 18-21 in the women’s doubles while Bosin Isara and Savitree Amitrapai lost to Lu Kai and Huang Yaqiong 8-21, 11-21 in the mixed doubles.
Taiwan also made it to the last eight as winners from Group 1B following their 3-2 win yesterday over South Korea. The Koreans qualified in second place while Russia finished last after two losses.
Japan topped Group 1C with two wins after beating Malaysia yesterday. Malaysia qualified as runners-up while Germany exited the tournament after two defeats.
Denmark, Indonesia and India were battling to qualify from Group 1D.
The draw for the quarter-finals was scheduled to be made late last night .