2016 TOTAL BWF Thomas-Uber Cup Finals - Day 1 (15th May) : Group Stage

CLELY

CLELY

Regular Member
Thomas-Uber-Cup-Finals-2016-300x131.jpg


Venue : Kunshan Sports Center Stadium, Kunshan-Jiangsu Province, CHN

Category : BWF Events (non prize money)

BWF page : http://bwfbadminton.com/events/2594/total-bwf-thomas-uber-cup-finals-2016/

Tournament website : http://en.ks2016.com/

Daily Schedule/Result/LiveScore : http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament.aspx?id=98FF39E5-3CE5-4D78-A9E6-4199026B3C5D

Live Streaming :
- http://videostream.dn.ua/videopage/videoPage.php?g=c2J2b2JoK2F0Y3ZsbmhZ&c=en&i=eWlhaXVidGd1bA№f№f
- http://www.zoptv.com/live/cctv-5
- http://www.zoptv.com/live/cctv-5-plus

CHN time : http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=16739&forma=Find Time

2014 RESULTS
THOMAS Cup Final (JPN def. MAS, 3-2) => http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/s...6EBA21A-B76C-4D79-97C3-2B68F3CB04A3&match=224
Champion : Japan
Runner-up : Malaysia
Semifinalists : China & Indonesia

UBER Cup Final (CHN def. JPN, 3-1) => http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/s...6EBA21A-B76C-4D79-97C3-2B68F3CB04A3&match=145
Champion : China
Runner-up : Japan
Semifinalists : Korea & India

First badminton major event of 2016 priors to the most anticipated Rio Olympics this summer, Thomas and Uber Cup, the prestigious men’s and women’s team events that will kick-off tomorrow. All badminton enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to watch top class action of world’s premium shuttlers.

THOMAS Cup
BWF preview => http://bwfbadminton.com/2016/05/11/thomas-cup-preview-strong-denmark-capable-of-breaking-jinx/

Looking at Thomas Cup history, only four teams have tasted to lift the trophy, Indonesia is the most successful nation to win the cup 13 times then followed by China (9), Malaysia (5) and Japan (once). Based on the seeding positions, CHN alongside with DEN, INA and KOR should be the frontrunners in this 29th edition. However, title-holder Japan and 2014 runner-up Malaysia can’t be underestimated at all, they did the unthinkable two years ago to tumble the favourites and faced off in finale.

Defending champion Japan have an uphill task to keep Thomas Cup at their homeground, a sudden shock early of this year brings unfortunate circumstances as they must losing two key players, 2014 winning team member, Kento Momota and Kenichi Tago due to illegal gambling suspension. Japan’s singles players seem quite dull, the veteran Sho Sasaki is awarded to play first singles, followed by Takuma Ueda and two lower-ranked player Kazumasa Sakai-Riichi Takeshita while doubles category they still have Endo/Hayakawa and the on-fire Kamura/Sonoda who’s expected to repeat 2014 magical performance.

Badminton giant China has extra ambition to redeem humiliating defeat, blanked 0-3 by the underdog Japanese at semifinal two years ago and the host has chance to take revenge on Wednesday as both teams are drawn in group A. World number one Chen Long is still seeking the finest form as he has not won any title yet since Denmark Premier last October and a nightmare in New Delhi 2014 will enhance his burden to face best players from all contenders. Two-time Olympic Champion Lin Dan who played vital role to deliver China won Thomas Cup five times in a row (2004-2012) looks a certain point for China considering his expertise and reputation. Fu HF/Zhang N are reliable against all first doubles of their main rival except KOR and INA who have remarkable duo, Lee YD/Yoo YS and Ahsan/Setiawan respectively. Chen, Lin, Fu/Zhang will be China backbone to determine their journey and reach the goal.

European powerhouse Denmark should be motivated to mimic the Japanese feat that carved new history in 2014. Viktor Axelsen, Jan O Jorgensen, Hans Kristian Vittinghus, Conrad/Kolding fill Danish convincing line-up to realize their dream in Kunshan. They’re favoured to secure group D winner, a stiff resistance is expected will be served by team Chinese Taipei, Chou Tien Chen, Lee SM/Tsai CH should give Denmark works harder in group-stage match. Being runner-up eight times, the last one was 2006 when they lost 0-3 to China should make them curious to move one step better this time.

Bagging silver medal twice (2008, 2012) is the best achievement so far for team Korea who still rely on their doubles category to pick winning point. The world number one Lee YD/Yoo YS, former World Champion Ko SH/Shin BC and world number four Kim GJ/Kim SR are KOR’s main ammunition as their singles department isn’t so impressive enough against their opponents. In the absence of veteran Lee Hyun Il who helped KOR won gold medal in 2014 Incheon Asian Games final against China, Son Wan Ho will lead singles squad that consists of Lee Dong Keun and two youngsters Jeon Hyeok Jin, Heo Kwang Hee.

Indonesia comes to Kunshan with high target to bring back the trophy after 14 year passed, their 10-men are combination of old and new generation. Looking at singles discipline, the experienced Tommy Sugiarto will helm the blossoming trio, Jonatan Christie-Ihsan Maulana Mustofa-Anthony Ginting. The reigning World Champion Ahsan/setiawan are accompanied by Pratama/Suwardi and young sensation Gideon/Sukamuljo. INA has long tradition in badminton history and trying to revive the glory that far from expectation in last decade. The Red-White team is drawn with IND, THA and HKG, all of their group-stage opponents aren't pushover.

Malaysia produced big surprise to out as runner-up in 2014 edition, lost narrowly to Japan 2-3 in final. The always dependable Lee Chong Wei is predicted to present crucial opening point as he did in many team events. The wide gap spreads between captain Lee and second also third singles players as well while doubles category Goh VS/Tan WK and former world number one Koo KK/Tan BH will be team MAS hopeful to score point. This 1992 champion should pass England and Germany but will find stern test against group C favourite, Korea.
 
UBER Cup
BWF Preview => http://bwfbadminton.com/2016/05/12/total-bwf-uber-cup-preview-china-japan-hold-the-aces/

Interesting fact that minor badminton nation USA had won Uber Cup in first three editions (1957, 1960, 1963) then Japan dominated the event until China joined IBF at early 80’s. Two other countries who snatched the trophy are Indonesia (1975, 1994, 1996) and Korea (2010).

The mighty team, China is undoubtedly strong favourite to extend their supremacy in this women’s team event. Only few changes have been made, compared to 2014 squad, two fresh faces will start their debut here, Tang Yuanting and Chen Qingchen. The trio Li Xuerui-Wang Yihan-Wang Shixian are struggling in several top level of individual tournaments lately but they look solid as a team, all of them have equal capability as their rivals don’t have this aspect. Tang YT/Yu Y and the Olympic Champion Tian Q/Zhao YL or possible surprise combination as they did two years ago in final against Japan will add the host superiority to score another prefect ending.

Japan is closest challenger who can deny defending champion China to claim 14th title considering the magnificent performance of Nozomi Okuhara and the world number one Matsutomo/Takahashi recently. A high possibility for 2014 final rematch is scripted in Kunshan on Saturday. The quite weak department for Japan will come from third singles, Sayaka Sato isn’t as good as her two younger teammates Okuhara and Akane Yamaguchi. Second seed Japan should have no problem to top group D and will get tricky challange against India.

Korea stands regularly on Uber Cup podium as runner-up (six times) and semifinalist (eight times) and unforgettable memory to do mission impossible, toppled China 3-1 in Kuala Lumpur, 2010. It’s pretty hard chance for Ginseng squad to repeat miraculous performance six years ago as most of their players have negative statistics against major rival China and Japan. Against other participants, Korea has advantage to clinch the victory. Sung Ji Hyun, Bae Yeon Ju, Chang YN/Lee SH and Jung KE/Shin SC are their best line-up to contribute winning point, the weakest link should be third singles.

Fourth seed Thailand who features former world champion Ratchanok Intanon will pose darkhorse as they don’t have strong women’s doubles pair despite Puttita/Sapsiree started to show some good development early this season. In the absence of Porntip Buranaprasertsuk who looked in good shape at last couple tournaments has weaken team Thailand little bit but they still have bright prospect to top group B and avoid early meeting against those three favourites, CHN-JPN-KOR in knock-out stage.

2014 bronze medalist India, three-time winner Indonesia have not enough team balance in their line-up. India practically will pinning their hope on two women’s singles stars Saina Nehwal and P.V.Sindhu to bag quarterfinal ticket. A big blow for Indonesia as one of their core player, Nitya Krishinda Maheswari is forced to skip this prestigious event due to knee injury, last time they created sensational 2008 runner-up finish at homesoil. Another notable shuttlers who make trip to Kunshan, Chinese Taipei talent Tai Tzu Ying, Spaniard two-time world champion Carolina Marin and Danish number one women’s doubles pair Pedersen/Juhl.

DAY-1 Schedule (three sessions, started on 08.30am local time, 4 court) => http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/s...FF39E5-3CE5-4D78-A9E6-4199026B3C5D&d=20160515

Day-1 highlights :
Thomas Cup Group B
- IND v THA (08.30am, TV Court 1)
One of team India main player, H.S. Prannoy misses Thomas Cup due to foot injury so IND will banking on Ajay Jayaram, Praneeth and Verma brothers in singles category. This tie is expected to be tight battle as both team have equal strength.

- INA v HKG (07.30pm, TV Court 2)
Group B leading contender, team INA is favoured to beat HKG, they should pay more attention to singles category as HKG resilient men's singles squad often trouble the elite players in top level tournaments.

Some cable TV have exclusive LIVE coverage from day-1 onwards, for Indonesia region is Fox Sports channel.
 
Both IND and HKG must win their singles matches if they wanna create an early upset!
HSP has a mixed record against Tanongsak lately and AJ is more confident and stable of the two which can prove decisive! ('course he (AJ) lacks the same ballistic smashes and viglailiant BH as HSP, I believe he stands realistic chances)
OTOH HKG has to def TS anyhow to reduce the early pressure
 
any team photos? I think Badminton should do something like football where all the players and staff line up and take a photo. Good for posters a memory of a tournament
 
Despite the confidence of Morten Frost, I think Malaysia is in two very difficult groups for both the TC and UC.

As what GC said, China is in an enviable position playing on home ground and is slated to win both cups.

Previous TC winner, Japan, will unlikely make it again, although their UC counterparts may create a surprise.

A note on China's participation: China joined the BWF (formerly IBF) much later and did not begin to compete until the 1982 series and therefore missed the opportunity of winning more times. The dominant countries then were Indonesia, Malaysia and Denmark. But unlucky Denmark somehow did not win either the TC (which first started in 1948) or UC (1956). thus far.
 
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Even against Bulgaria, I am beyond pessimistic about Ina UC, let alone vs HK and Tha.

Stoeva sisters, Zechiri and Nedelcheva are very seasoned in team event.

Just hope they dont ended up in the bottom of the group.
 
Loh said:
Despite the confidence of Morten Frost, I think Malaysia is in two very difficult groups for both the TC and UC.

As what GC said, China is in an enviable position playing on home ground and is slated to win both cups.

Previous TC winner, Japan, will unlikely make it again, although their UC counterparts may create a surprise.

A note on China's participation: China joined the BWF (formerly IBF) much later and did not begin to compete until the 1982 series and therefore missed the opportunity of winning more times. The dominant countries then were Indonesia, Malaysia and Denmark. But unlucky Denmark somehow did not win either the TC (which first started in 1948) or UC (1956). thus far.
Click to expand...

Didn't Morten Frost say Malaysia would either get blown out or go a long way? I think he is wishing and hoping rather than showing confidence. I do tend to agree with his sentiment though.
 
etudiant said:
Even against Bulgaria, I am beyond pessimistic about Ina UC, let alone vs HK and Tha.

Stoeva sisters, Zechiri and Nedelcheva are very seasoned in team event.

Just hope they dont ended up in the bottom of the group.
Click to expand...

I think their small team size might work against them so INA at worst, will win 3-2.
 
madbad said:
I think their small team size might work against them so INA at worst, will win 3-2.
Click to expand...
I would be disappointed if INA can't at least be runner up of the group. HKG WS are formidable as well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
 
indrg said:
I would be disappointed if INA can't at least be runner up of the group. HKG WS are formidable as well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
It's going to come down to HK v INA for the runner-up spot. I think it'll be tight but INA should prevail.
 
Live stream are also available on BWF Badminton TV youtube channel and livestream.com BWF channel for exclusive court #2 only.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
 
Live Streaming Court 1:

Day 1 Thomas Cup - Group B: India vs Thailand


Day 1 Thomas Cup - Group A: China vs Mexico


Day 1 Uber Cup - Group A: Denmark vs Spain
 
hey guys its the dream that came for me and my fovourite player came true which was jayrams dream to lead india from the front and today is the day hope he will give its highest boost to my favourite team.
 
Loh said:
Despite the confidence of Morten Frost, I think Malaysia is in two very difficult groups for both the TC and UC.

As what GC said, China is in an enviable position playing on home ground and is slated to win both cups.

Previous TC winner, Japan, will unlikely make it again, although their UC counterparts may create a surprise.

A note on China's participation: China joined the BWF (formerly IBF) much later and did not begin to compete until the 1982 series and therefore missed the opportunity of winning more times. The dominant countries then were Indonesia, Malaysia and Denmark. But unlucky Denmark somehow did not win either the TC (which first started in 1948) or UC (1956). thus far.
Click to expand...

Before China's first participation on Thomas Cup in 1982, TC was held every 3 years. If only it was held every 2 years earlier, INA should have opportunity to grab more titles :D
 
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