New Delhi: With the beginning of Thomas-Uber Cup quarter-finals on Thursday, teams do not have to play the remaining games if the tie is decided.
China’s Thomas Cup team was the first beneficiary of this format when they became the first team to reach semi-finals after defeated Thailand 3-0. Its second doubles pair – Fu Heifeng-Zhang Nan and third singles Lin Dan didn’t even break a sweat after China and Thailand decided to stop the tie after China has claimed the victory.
Chen Long encountered no resistance at all from Boonsak Ponsana with 21-16 21-8 win to deliver a surprising easy first point for China. Chai Biao-Hong Wei stormed through the first men’s doubles by defeating Maneepong Jongjit-Nipitphon Puangpuapech 21-18 21-14 in 41 minutes.
Du Pengyu who played the second singles for China faced tough challenges from Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in the second game before knocking off Saensomboonsuk 21-14 22-20 to clinch victory for China.
“Wow, the match was harder than the number you see on the score board. I was not able to finish off the game even though I reached the match point first. Players often stepped up to the plate in team events,” said the 2013 World Championships bronze medalist.
Chinese will play against Japan in Friday’s Thomas Cup semi-finals after Japan managed to register a 3-1 win over France.
