KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s badminton squad have secured a fair draw ahead of the Thomas and Uber Cup set to take place in Chengdu, China starting on April 28.
In today’s draw held in the south-western Chinese city, Malaysia were placed in Group D for the Thomas Cup alongside the 2016 champions, Denmark, as well as Hong Kong and Algeria.
At the last edition held in 2022 in Bangkok, Malaysia’s campaign was ended in the quarter-finals by India, who went on to make history by clinching their first title after defeating Indonesia 3-0 in the final.
Interestingly, for this edition, India again find themselves in the same group as Indonesia, in Group C, alongside England and Thailand, labelled the “group of death”.
Group B features Japan, Chinese Taipei, Germany and debutants the Czech Republic.
Group A sees hosts China, with a formidable record of 10 titles, along with South Korea, Canada and Australia.
As for Malaysia’s women’s team competing in the Uber Cup, they have been placed in Group B alongside Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Australia.
In Group A, China – despite being the hosts – are expected to face tough competition from India, Singapore and Canada.
Group C witnesses Japan, Indonesia and the sole African team, Uganda, vying for a spot in the quarter-finals.
South Korea and Denmark are anticipated to have a smoother path in Group D, as they are joined by the United States and Mexico, with the latter making their debut appearance at the tournament. – March 22, 2024