China thrashes India in Sudirman Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: China thrashed India 5-0 in the Sudirman Cup on Sunday, but the defending champions were given a tough workout by their unfancied opponents while Taiwan managed a surprise win against Malaysia.
So distraught were the Chinese officials over their players’ lackluster performances in their opening Group A match that they snubbed the official press conference after their tie.
The eight-time winners of the trophy, who are gunning for their fifth consecutive crown, took more than three hours to subdue their opponents to virtual guarantee themselves a place in the quarterfinals.
The third team in Group A are former champions Indonesia, who play India on Monday.
With only three teams in each of the four groups, the top two countries will qualify for Thursday’s quarterfinals.
More worryingly for China was the form of world champion Wang Yihan, who was stretched to three games by upcoming Indian star P. V. Sindhu. Sindhu was playing in place of the injured Saina Nehwal.
Saina, who has moved up to number two in the world rankings, withdrew from the tournament as she has a hairline fracture on her toe.
The lanky Wang Yihan, who spoke after her 19-21, 21-16, 21-14 victory, said: “She (Sindhu) is a tough opponent.
“I should have won the first game but threw it away. She is young and hungry and took me by surprise and I couldn’t cope.
“I found my rhythm in the second game and took control from then on. I hope I can play in more matches after this.” In Group C tie, Taiwan stunned hosts Malaysia 3-2 tie to take a step closer to reaching the quarterfinals.
It was the beleaguered former world No. 1 pairing of Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong who let Malaysia down when they lost 21-18, 21-18 to Sheng Mu Lee-Chia Hsin Tsai.
The former All-England champions, who have not won a major title in over three years, may now be dropped when Malaysia face Germany in a must-win encounter on Tuesday.