Players of China celebrate after winning the Sudirman Cup title in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 21, 2023. /CFP
Players of China celebrate after winning the Sudirman Cup title in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 21, 2023. /CFP
China were crowned at the 2023 Sudirman Cup after whitewashing South Korea 3-0 in the final in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on Sunday.
The triumph means the hosts have clinched the title three times in a row, and won 13 championships in the past 18 editions.
Mixed doubles Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong recovered from one set down to beat Seo Seung-jae and Chae Yu-jung 18-21, 22-20, 21-8 before Shi Yuqi made it 2-0 by thrashing Lee Yun-gyu 21-13, 21-17 in the men’s singles.
Zheng Siwei (L) and Huang Yaqiong of China compete in the Sudirman Cup final mixed doubles match against Seo Seung-jae and Chae Yu-jung of South Korea in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 21, 2023. /CFP
Zheng Siwei (L) and Huang Yaqiong of China compete in the Sudirman Cup final mixed doubles match against Seo Seung-jae and Chae Yu-jung of South Korea in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 21, 2023. /CFP
“I think because of our firm belief and the aura we exuded, our opponents were a little bit scared, and they obviously missed the last two reserves, which I think is probably not a coincidence,” Zheng told Xinhua.
“We are very united and we also have a good mentality on key points. So I think these are the strengths of the Chinese team,” Shi added after the crucial tie.
Olympic women’s singles champion Chen Yufei sealed the victory for China after defeating world No. 2 An Se-young 21-16, 22-20.
Shi Yuqi of China competes in the Sudirman Cup final men’s singles match against Lee Yun-gyu of South Korea in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 21, 2023. /CFP
Shi Yuqi of China competes in the Sudirman Cup final men’s singles match against Lee Yun-gyu of South Korea in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 21, 2023. /CFP
With the hard-fought victory, in form Chen broke her three-time losing streak against An and enabled the holders to defend their title.
China, the most successful team in tournament history, finally got revenge as they were stunned 3-2 by South Korea in the final six years ago.
Chen Yufei of China competes in the Sudirman Cup final women’s singles match against An Se-young of South Korea in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 21, 2023. /CFP
Chen Yufei of China competes in the Sudirman Cup final women’s singles match against An Se-young of South Korea in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 21, 2023. /CFP
The biennial tournament attracted wide attention because the result will affect qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 2025 Sudirman Cup will continue to be held in China, with the host city yet to be determined.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency