Chinese men's and women's teams whitewashed their opponents 5-0 respectively during the opening day of the group stage at the Thomas and Uber Cup on Saturday.
Liu Shengshu (L)/Tan Ning of China compete in the doubles match against Xiao En Heng/Jin Yu Jia of Singapore during the group A match between China and Singapore at BWF Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
Playing on home soil again since 2016, China is looking to triumph in the biennial international badminton championships, as the badminton powerhouse only finished in the last eight in the men's Thomas Cup and lost the women's Uber Cup final two years ago.
On Saturday, China crushed Singapore in the Uber Cup, with He Bingjiao defeating Yeo Jia Min 21-15, 21-13, while two other local singles players and two local doubles pairs also won in straight games.
"Hopefully my performance will encourage my teammates," said He. "We must show our momentum at home."
In other Uber Cup matches, defending champion South Korea beat Mexico 5-0, and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung led Indonesia to whitewash Hong Kong, China.
On the men's side, world No. 2 Shi Yuqi beat Ricky Tang 21-3, 21-13 in just 29 minutes, leading China to seal a resounding win against Australia.
"I was a little nervous and a little excited today because I don't know my opponent very well and no men's singles player in today's badminton world is easy to beat," said the new captain of China.
"I could feel the spectators' enthusiasm, so I picked up my pace," Shi added.
In earlier plays, world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen dominated in straight games as Denmark thrashed Algeria 5-0, while Malaysia also took a 5-0 win over Hong Kong, China.
The championships, held in Chengdu, southwestern China's Sichuan Province, marked the 33rd edition of the Thomas Cup and the 30th edition of the Uber Cup, with each tournament featuring 16 teams in four groups and taking place from April 27 to May 5.
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
China's real estate giant Evergrande files for bankruptcy
Colorado reporter's expulsion from Republican gathering causes uproar
New Zealand being considered as potential AUKUS Pillar Two partner
Student fatally shot, suspect detained at Georgia's Kennesaw State University
HKFP Lens: Hong Kong marks China's National Day with displays of patriotism, pyrotechnics
Petrobras reports net profit of BRL 124.6 bi in 2023
Hong Kong's Messi mess: A distraction from more important things
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
Death toll rises in Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years
Why US Catholics are planning pilgrimages in communities across the nation
'Very significant' rise in home insurance premiums revealed