China's shuttlers looking to home advantage
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-10 09:26

China will be looking to capitalise on home advantage when the Sudirman Cup begins Tuesday in a bid to reclaim the mixed team badminton championship title they lost to South Korea two years ago.

Despite a galaxy of star in their line-up, four-time winners China, however, have a formidable task on their hands.

Thailand, Indonesia, England, Hong Kong, Denmark, Sweden and the defending champions South Korea will all be battling to secure semi-final berths.

Only these eight teams in Group 1, which is split into two sub-groups, have a shot at the title in the ninth edition of this prestigious biennial event.

China and Indonesia are the clear favourites to secure the top two spots in Group 1B ahead of Hong Kong and Sweden.

The Chinese, with men's world number one Lin Dan and Athens Olympic women's champion Zhang Ning, look unbeatable, particularly with the Indonesians struggling with a recent spate of injuries and distinct lack of form.

But Indonesia, who include Athens Olympic champion Taufil Hidayat and ace doubles duo Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto, can never be written off in team events as they proved when they beat China in the 2002 Thomas Cup in Guangzhou.

Nevertheless, Indonesia, who haven't won the Sudirman Cup since its inaugural edition in 1989, have been eager to play down expectations.

Hong Kong, who were promoted into the elite division after topping Group 2 two years ago in Eindhoven, could provide the shock factor.

In Group 1A, the Koreans on paper appear less strong than they were in 2003 when they shook up the badminton world by downing the mighty Chinese.

They have, however, persuaded famous mixed doubles duo Kim Dong-Moon and Ra Kyung-Min to return to the court again after a nine-month break from international competition following the Olympics.

Their main challenge is likely to come from Denmark, spearheaded by the Great Dane himself, Peter Gade, and also featuring the classy doubles pairing of Jens Eriksen and Martin Lundgaard Hansen.

The Danes will be eager to top the sub-group to avoid a possible meeting with China in the semi-final, assuming the hosts secure the top spot in 1B.

Sweden and England will both have to fight hard to retain their places in the elite group.

In the second division, Malaysia, who have publicly stated they will not be satisfied with anything less than securing promotion into the top flight for the 2007 Sudirman Cup, are likely to be pushed all the way by Taiwan.

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