China Clinches Record 14th Sudirman Cup Title, Outclasses South Korea in Xiamen

Hosts China preserved their badminton dominance to win a record 14th Sudirman Cup title at Xiamen on Sunday with a 3-1 final victory over South Korea. Despite a heroic show by Korea world No. 1 An Se-young-whose dethroning of Wang Zhiyi in the women's singles-China had a depth in each of the disciplines that proved the decider. Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping led the way with a victory in the mixed doubles, with men's world No. 1 Shi Yuqi trouncing Jeon Hyeokjin 21-5, 21-5 inside a mere 33 minutes. Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning clinched the title defeating Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee in straight games, as delirious scenes erupted on home turf. With this fourth straight win, China has now taken nine of the last ten editions, leaving Korea with four titles in total-ten fewer than runaway champions.

 

Source: Reuters, Olympics.com, BWF Sudirman Cup