Sudirman Cup: Taiwan, Japan, Denmark into quarterfinals

Taiwan, Japan and Denmark became the first three teams to book a place in the 2013 Sudirman Cup quarterfinals after beating their respective opponents at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, here, on Monday.

Taiwan beat Germany 5-0 in their Group C match, their second in as many matches as they had also beaten Malaysia 3-2, Sunday.

In today's match, Taiwan picked up their first point when their mixed doubles pair Lu Ching Yao/Lai Chia Wen beat Michael Fuchs/Michels Birgit 13-21, 22-20, 23-21 before Hsuen Hsuah Yi made it 2-0 by beating Domke Dieter 22-20, 21-14 in the men's singles.

Their men's doubles pair Lee Sheng Mu/Tsai Chia Tsin beat Kindervater Ingo/Schoettler Johannes 21-18, 21-7 to secure the victory and Malaysian Open women's singles champion Tai Tzu Ying defeated Schnaase Karin 21-15, 23-21 to make it 4-0.

With the tie already in their bag, women's doubles pair Cheng Wen Hsing/Hsieh Pei Chen came on to ensure a whitewash by disposing Michels Birgit/Golsizewski Johanna 13-21, 21-16, 21-19.

Malaysia who suffered a shocking 2-3 defeat must now beat Germany today to keep their hopes alive. Japan booked their place in the quarterfinals after beating Singapore 5-0 in Group D since Denmark had also beaten Singapore 4-1, Sunday.

In a Group A match, Indonesia opened their campaign in style by beating India 4-1 while in Group B, three times winner South Korea convincingly beat Hong Kong 4-1 to keep their hopes alive.

Hong Jong had already lost 2-3 to Thailand on Sunday.

Based on the Sudirman Cup format, the top two teams from four groups playing in Division One, qualify for the quarterfinals while the 18 teams involved in the Division Two and Three, play for ranking positions in the Badminton World Federation.