Reigning champs China off to stellar start at Sudirman Cup
The Hindu
The biennial Sudirman Cup has an extra edge this year because performances count towards qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Holders China defeated Singapore at the Sudirman Cup on Tuesday, moving into the next round of one of badminton's biggest tournaments.
After winning the mixed doubles and men's singles, hosts China sealed the showdown in the women's singles where He Bingjiao beat Yeo Jia Min 22-20, 21-15.
The biennial Sudirman Cup has an extra edge this year because performances count towards qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The mixed-team competition in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou is the first international sporting event in China since the country ditched its tough zero-Covid policies late last year.
China are clear favourites this year to retain the trophy, which they have won a record 12 times.
The win over Singapore on Tuesday followed a 5-0 thrashing of minnows Egypt in their opening game on Sunday.
Indonesia, winners and hosts of the inaugural Sudirman Cup in 1989, also bagged a second win on Tuesday after taking down Germany 4-1.