Defending champion China on a winning start for 7th Sudirman Cup

Slides
Photos

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-11 09:14

GUANGZHOU - China launched their defending journey by sweeping England 5-0 at the 11th Sudirman Cup world team badminton championships here on Sunday.

China opened with Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng's win over Robert Blair/Christopher Adcock in the men's doubles event 21-15, 21-14. The Chinese pair, ranked 7th in the world while their opponents were 15th.

World number seven Wang Lin then beat Sarah Walker 21-15, 21-11 in the women's singles to extend China's lead to 2-0.

"Super Dan" Lin Dan, the Olympic men's singles champion, defeated Andrew Smith 21-15, 21-18 in the third tie.

In the women's doubles, Zhang Yawen/Zhao Tingting overpowered Gabrielle White/Jennifer Wallwork 21-12, 21-11. He Hanbin/Yu Yang sealed the win for China by beating Anthony Clark/Donna Kellog 21-14, 21-14.

"This is my first time to take part in the Sudirman Cup and now I know the differences between team matches and singles matches," said Wang Lin. "I was eager to fight for every single point and I want to win my first world title."

"Today is Mothers' Day, and I think my victory is a gift to my mom. I sent her a message earlier today and I felt happy," said Lin Dan. "My opponent didn't perform well in the first set but he adjusted himself then and really made some troubles for me."

Chinese head coach Li Yongbo said afte the match, "England played well but it is out of their ability to stop us for even a while."