China prove they are the world's best after beating South Korea 3-0 to lift the Sudirman Cup at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil, here today.
The title, the ninth for China, makes it the most successful in the cup's history having won in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011. The only blip was the championship in 2003 when they finished as runners-up.
Sudirman Cup is the world's badminton mixed team championship.
The loss dashed South Korea's hopes of lifting the cup for a fourth time after winning in 1991, 1993 and 2003.
South Korea were runners-up in 1989, 1997 and 2009.
In today's final, mixed doubles pair Xu Chen/Ma Jin (1) gave China the first point beating Ko Sung Hyun/Kim Ha Na, 21-13, 21-15.
Singles player Chen Long (2) extended the lead to 2-0 after beating Lee Dong Keun (63), 21-15, 21-10.
Liu Xiaolong/Qiu Zihan (6), the 2013 All-England doubles champions, then upset Ko Sung Hyun/Lee Yong Dae (2) to win 21-19, 21-17 to make it 3-0.
Vice-president of Badminton World Federation (BWF) for Asian region, Liu Feng Yan presented the Sudirman Cup to China badminton head coach Li Yongbo.
Thailand and Denmark were tied for third after losing to South Korea and China 3-1 in the semi-final yesterday.
Speaking to reporters after the prize giving ceremony, Li, 50, praised his players for the superb performance against South Korea.
"I am happy that our players have avenged the 3-1 defeat against the same opponents in 2003. I congratulate them and the coaching staff for their untiring efforts.
"Actually, I don't expect my team to score an easy win against South Korea since we had to endure a tough fight against Indonesia in the quarter-final on Wednesday and Denmark in the semi-final yesterday."
-
The former Chinese mixed doubles player said the turning point was the vintage display put up by Xu/Ma against the South Koreans.
"Xu and Ma had a poor track record against the South Korean pair. Their win gave extra boost to the other players to contribute important points thus spoiling the mood of the South Koreans."
Asked about Malaysia's performance, Li said it should develop talented youngsters instead of depending heavily on season campaigners to deliver important points.
"We always gave chance to youngsters (such as Liu/Qiu in the men's doubles) to deliver points although I know it is a big gamble for the team."
South Korea's head coach Ha Tae-Kwon also echoed Li's view and urged Malaysia to learn how China develop new badminton talents to ensure continuity.
Bernama
Sun May 26 2013
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.