World number one Lee Chong Wei came to Malaysia’s rescue once more at the Sudirman Cup on Thursday as he smashed and swatted his way to a fully deserved victory over South Korea’s Park Sung-Hwan.
Lee, who has been at his destructive best at the tournament, took a while to break into his stride against the ninth-ranked Park, trailing at the outset of the first game before he found his touch.
The 28-year-old Lee, Malaysia’s talisman, took the first game 21-18 and then gradually wore down his less celebrated opponent to win the second 21-14. Lee’s victory drew Malaysia level 1-1 with South Korea in the best of five rubbers.
France make history in China: France made their own piece of badminton history at the Sudirman Cup on Thursday after they beat Hong Kong — the first time they have defeated an Asian team in the prestigious competition.
France’s 3-2 victory that left them top of Group 2A also means they have trumped their previous best finish of 16th. They face Singapore on Friday to play off for 13th position in the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao. “This is a fantastic achievement for us.
To beat an Asian team in the Sudirman Cup — it has never been done by any other French team,” team manager Fabrice Vallet told the Badminton World Federation (BWF). “I’m extremely happy and hope the players can continue their good work against Singapore.
We have a new set-up back home and the players believe in themselves. “They no longer step on the court thinking they are going to lose. They have no fear of anyone and while we may not be the strongest team, we have great fighting spirit.”
India face might of China: India face the might of holders and hosts China later Thursday in the quarter-finals of the Sudirman Cup, while South Korea take on Malaysia. The winners of the two ties will face each other in the semi-finals on Saturday at the world mixed team championships in Qingdao.
In the other half of the draw, Denmark play Taiwan on Friday and Japan are up against Indonesia. Indian representative Giresh Natu said: “It will be a difficult match but we won’t have any special plans to stop China. Our players will go all out and give 100 percent no matter what.”
