Thomas Cup: China, Japan advanced to the quarter-finals after securing comfortable wins in Bangkok
- In another day of on-court action, China set up a scintillating Group D final against in-form Denmark, who brushed past Team France to advance
- In the women’s Uber Cup, China strolled past Taiwan 5-0 to cruise into the quarter finals
Powerhouses China, Japan, Denmark and Malaysia have advanced to the quarter-finals of badminton’s Thomas Cup after securing comfortable wins in the group stage.
Defending champions China swept aside Algeria 5-0 on Tuesday, fielding a dominant singles team of Zhao Jun Peng, Li Shi Feng and Weng Hong Yang, while doubles team of Ren Xiang Yu/Tan Qiang and Liu Yu Chen/Ou Xuan Yi were equally impressive.
Denmark made an example of France, with world No 1 and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen dominant against world No 26 Toma Junior Popov 21-8, 21-11. Play was disrupted several times while officials had to mop sweat from the court, but Axelsen was impressive.
“Sometimes you just end up in these matches when it’s tough physically and yesterday was a great fight,” the world No 1 said.
“After two matches, I have been able to adjust myself to the hot conditions at the venue. We won the title in 2016 and we hope to win again this time.”
China will now face Denmark in the third and last Group B match on Wednesday night to decide the overall group winner.
It was a similar situation in Group D as Japan thrashed England 5-0, with Kento Momota leading the way with a 21-18 21-11 result over Toby Penty. Malaysia made a clean sweep of USA to set up a showdown with Japan to decide the winner of the group.