CHINA RETAINS THE SUHADINATA CUP

And yet again, China was crowned World Champions in the Mixed Team event of the Junior Championships. Played in the north Malaysian city of Alor Setar, the Chinese youngsters overwhelmed Malaysia 3-0 in the Finals on Monday evening to record their fourth victory in the five times the series have been played since its inception in 2004. The only blip in their otherwise perfect score came in 2006 when the Koreans upset the odds.

An added glamour at the presentation ceremony in Alor Setar was the brand-new glittering Suhandinata Cup, which the Chinese youngsters received with much joy and pride. The Cup was a gift from one of Indonesia’s most revered and renowned badminton families.

The Chinese victory was not unexpected. Though just months earlier the Malaysian youngsters had beaten the Chinese in the Asian Youth Finals, there was little chance of a second upset this time. China had come fully prepared and throughout its earlier matches, it had displayed a very high standard in all aspects of the game. The win over Malaysia was a just reward for its players’ hard work and superior performance.  

Though their girls were expected to play a decisive role in the Final, it was the boys who delivered the points. China got off to an impressive start in the opening Mixed Doubles match with Lu Kai and Bao Yixin dominating Ow Yao Han & Ng Hui Ern in their 21-5,   21-19 win.

Then in the Boys Singles, Tian Houwei made it 2 for China with a slightly laboured but still an emphatic 21-15, 25-23 win over Mohd Ismail Syawal.

China sealed the tie in the third game, the Boys Doubles and once again set itself as the team to beat at the World Junior level.

In classification matches, Thailand secured third place with a 3-1 win over Chinese Taipei. Indonesia was placed fourth followed by Japan, Hong Kong, India, Denmark, Russia, Singapore and the Philippines.