Sport - Badminton

China will be out in full force at Guangzhou

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE April 25. The host nation and the top seeds China has announced strong line-ups ahead of its Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals which get underway in Guangzhou on May 9.

For the Uber Cup, the China Badminton Association has named a formidable force comprising singles players Zhou Mi, world champion Gong Ruina, Dai Yun and Zhang Ning playing alongside doubles stars Gao Ling, Huang Sui, Zhang Jiewen, Wei Yili, Huang Nanyan and Yang Wei to form a team almost certain of winning the cup for a record eighth time.

The host's Thomas Cup singles challenge will be spearheaded by Asian champion and World No. 1 Xia Xuanze, accompanied by in-form youngsters Bao Chunlai and Lin Dan, and the more experienced All England champion Chen Hong and Chinese National champion Luo Yigang. Wang Wei, Chen Qiqiu, Cheng Rui, Zhang Jun and Zhang Wei will contest the doubles for the hosts.

With a maximum of 10 players allowed, Thomas Cup second seed Malaysia has also opted for a five singles, five doubles strategy to include Commonwealth champion Wong Choong Hann, veteran Ong Ewe Hock, the Hashim brothers Roslin and Hafiz, and Lee Tsuen Seng in singles. Established pairs Chew Choon Eng and Chan Chong Ming and Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah got the nod, with Chang Kim Wai filling the final place ahead of regular partner Hong Chien Hun.

The speculation surrounding Tony Gunawan's possible comeback for reigning Thomas Cup champion Indonesia has been put to an end as the World and Olympic gold medallist who retired and moved to the U.S. has not been named in its 10-man squad.

The Swiss Open champion Marleve Mainaky will play first singles, with Taufik Hidayat, world champion Hendrawan, All England silver medallist Budi Santoso and Rony Agustinus completing the singles line-up. Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto will be pivotal to Indonesia's doubles offensive, assisted by Halim Haryanto, Tri Kusharyanto and Bambang Suprianto.

Denmark will be without Peter Gade after an operation to repair his persistent knee cartilage problem, but will be looking to former world champion Peter Rasmussen to capitalise on his recent good form in the European championships.

In the Uber Cup, Camilla Martin will lead the Danish team while the Korean Uber Cup hopefuls will be relying on the experience and versatility of Ra Kyung Min proficient at singles as well as doubles to guide them through in Guangzhou.

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