Dongguan: Tournament favorites China faced little challenge against Thailand on Tuesday by winning 5-0 to enter the quarter-finals at the Sudirman Cup.
London Olympic champion Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng won the opening men’s doubles over Bodin Issara/Pakkawat Vilailak, 14-21, 21-14, 21-19.
“I’m a reserve player now. Based on the team’s needs, I can pair with anyone,” said Cai Yun, the 35-year-old captain of the defending champion’s team.
Although the veteran pair had few chances to compete in Rio Olympics due to age and fatigue, they are still popular with Chinese fans, hailed as a combination of “Wind and Cloud”.
“Actually, we could still pair up in some team events. But in individual, there is no possibility,” said Cai.
Wang Yihan made it 2-0 by beating Busanan Ongbumrungpan 21-16, 21-15 in the women’s singles.
World No. 1 Chen Long thrashed Boonsak Ponsana 21-14, 21-8 in the men’s singles as the nine-time champions remained flawless on day three of the mixed-teams tournament.
“Winning is the most important. It doesn’t really matter who plays the singles, Lin Dan or me,” said Chen, referring to his teammate “Super Dan”, the world and Olympic champion.
Ma Jin/Tang Yuanting won the women’s doubles, and Olympic champion Zhao Yunlei paired with Liu Cheng in the mixed doubles and after a slow start they beat Nipitphon Puangpuapech and Puttita Supajirakul 14-21, 21-17, 21-12.
