Japan Start Strong – Day 1 – Session 2: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Japan’s men served notice of their prowess at the TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2018 today, brushing aside Hong Kong 4-1 in the second session of the opening day in Bangkok.

Japan wrapped up the tie by the third match at the cost of only one game in the Group C encounter. The resurgent Kento Momota achieved the breach early on for Japan, recovering from a one-game deficit and stepping into gear for a 15-21 21-16 21-15 result over Ng Ka Long in the first Men’s Singles.

The next three matches posed no problems at all for Japan. Takeshi Kamura/Keigo Sonoda blew aside Lee Chun Hei/Or Chin Chung 21-15 21-13 in the first doubles; Kenta Nishimoto (Men’s Singles) took ten minutes longer in a similarly one-sided result over Wong Wing Ki, 21-18 21-11, and Takuto Inoue/Yuki Kaneko (featured image) tightened the grip beating Mak Hee Chun/Tang Chun Man 21-12 21-15.

Youngster Lee Cheuk Yiu earned a consolation point for Hong Kong with a 21-15 21-13 victory over Kazumasa Sakai in the last match.

Having kept Momota on court for over an hour, Ng Ka Long was satisfied with his performance but rued the few mistakes that cost him dearly. “I played quite well today. In the beginning of the second game I made some mistakes and that was why I lost the match today,” said Ng.

“I’m not really surprised with the way he’s playing after his long layoff. He was a quality player earlier too. We have a tough group this time. We hope we can play as well as we did in 2016 and get into the quarter-finals.”

In Uber Cup action, Thailand, Canada and Korea enjoyed breezy victories over Germany, India and Mauritius respectively.

Thailand’s women were treated to energetic support by a sizeable crowd that cheered every point as they overwhelmed Germany 5-0 in Group B. After Ratchanok Intanon powered past Luise Heim 21-12 21-16 in the opening singles, Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajonjai fought past Isabel Herttrich/Carla Nelte 21-14 13-21 21-10.

Nitchaon Jindapol was tested in the second game by Yvonne Li but came through in straight games, 21-12 21-18.

“It was tough to play in this big hall, there’s a strong wind, and I haven’t played so many big tournaments to get used to it,” said Yvonne Li. “It was quite difficult for me in the beginning but in the second game I was able to keep up with her. I should’ve stayed strong and keep my head focussed but didn’t play accurately at the end. We’re in a tough group with three strong Asian countries, but we have nothing to lose. We’ll just try to get the best results and enjoy the experience.”

Thailand put the finishing touches through Puttita Supajirakul/Sapsiree Taerattanachai in the second doubles and Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the third singles.

“It was a great atmosphere in there, with a lot of people cheering for us,” said Supajirakul. “We were really happy to see them come and support us. We have Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei next and we hope we can come on top of our group. We didn’t feel nervous at all although there are a lot of expectations from our supporters. We will take it one match at a time and enjoy ourselves out there.”

In Group A, Canada pulverised under-strength India, who were without singles star Pusarla V Sindhu and doubles pair Ashwini Ponnappa/Sikki Reddy.

Michelle Li led the way for Canada, getting her first win over Saina Nehwal, 15-21 21-16 21-16 to effectively shut the door on India.

“I think it was a good opportunity because she’s been playing well and it is nice to play against her in the Uber Cup, and I’m happy to get the win,” said Michelle Li.

“In the past I’ve never been able to beat her; this is my first win. The last I played her was a while ago; she recently won the Commonwealth Games and I knew it was going to be tough, I knew she’s fitter than before. We both suffered injuries and had surgeries after the Olympics, so it was nice that we both could play at a high level. I had to be patient and stay in the rallies and wait for the opportunity to attack. Sometimes I rush too much and that’s one of my weaknesses, but today I played pretty well in terms of being patient and waiting for my chances.”

Victory over India, Li said, would open up the opportunity for Canada to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Rachel Honderich made it 2-0 for Canada, before Meghana Jakkampudi/Poorvisha S Ram pulled one back for India in the doubles, over Michelle Tong/Josephine Wu.

But Brittney Tam and Rachel Honderich/Kristen Tsai were able to shut out further resistance and help Canada to a 4-1 result.

In Group C, Korea began their campaign with a 5-0 rout of Mauritius, winning all their matches in under 30 minutes.

Click here for results

Thomas & Uber Cup News

China’s Young Heroes – Thomas Cup Review

China’s Young Heroes – Thomas Cup Review

13 June 2018
Japan Stamp Supremacy – Uber Cup Review

Japan Stamp Supremacy – Uber Cup Review

8 June 2018
Title No.10 for China – Thomas Cup Final: TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2018

Title No.10 for China – Thomas Cup Final: TOTAL BWF Thomas &...

27 May 2018
Women of the Rising ‘Stun’! – Uber Cup Final: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Women of the Rising ‘Stun’! – Uber Cup Final: TOTAL BWF TUC...

26 May 2018
‘Tongue-Twisters’ Torment Titlists – Thomas Cup Semi-Finals: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

‘Tongue-Twisters’ Torment Titlists – Thomas Cup Semi-Finals: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

25 May 2018
‘Uber’ Achievers! – Uber Cup Semi-finals: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

‘Uber’ Achievers! – Uber Cup Semi-finals: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

25 May 2018
Denmark, Japan into Semis – Day 5 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Denmark, Japan into Semis – Day 5 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF...

24 May 2018
Emotional Win for Thailand – Day 5 – Session 2: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Emotional Win for Thailand – Day 5 – Session 2: TOTAL BWF...

24 May 2018
China, Korea Overcome Jitters – Day 5 – Session 1: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

China, Korea Overcome Jitters – Day 5 – Session 1: TOTAL BWF...

24 May 2018
Jorgensen Delivers – Day 4 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Jorgensen Delivers – Day 4 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals...

23 May 2018
Canada Through to Quarters – Day 4 – Session 2: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Canada Through to Quarters – Day 4 – Session 2: TOTAL BWF...

23 May 2018
China Hold Firm – Day 4 – Session 1: TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2018

China Hold Firm – Day 4 – Session 1: TOTAL BWF Thomas...

23 May 2018
Resilient Indonesia – Day 3 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Resilient Indonesia – Day 3 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals...

22 May 2018
Schoolgirl to the Rescue – Day 3 – Session 2: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Schoolgirl to the Rescue – Day 3 – Session 2: TOTAL BWF...

22 May 2018
German Scare for Japan – Day 3 – Session 1: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

German Scare for Japan – Day 3 – Session 1: TOTAL BWF...

22 May 2018
China, Thailand Look Ahead – Day 2 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

China, Thailand Look Ahead – Day 2 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF...

21 May 2018
Indonesia Pass Malaysian Test – Day 2 – Session 2: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Indonesia Pass Malaysian Test – Day 2 – Session 2: TOTAL BWF...

21 May 2018
Debutants Relishing Experience – Day 2 – Session 1: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Debutants Relishing Experience – Day 2 – Session 1: TOTAL BWF TUC...

21 May 2018
Korea Prevails – Day 1 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Korea Prevails – Day 1 – Session 3: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals...

20 May 2018
Corvee Stars in French Victory – Day 1 – Session 1: TOTAL BWF TUC Finals 2018

Corvee Stars in French Victory – Day 1 – Session 1: TOTAL...

20 May 2018
Banking on Home Support – TUC Finals 2018

Banking on Home Support – TUC Finals 2018

19 May 2018
Defending Champions Confident Despite Setbacks – TUC Finals 2018

Defending Champions Confident Despite Setbacks – TUC Finals 2018

19 May 2018
Honour for Fernandez, Sornprachum and Klutzke

Honour for Fernandez, Sornprachum and Klutzke

19 May 2018
Strong Danish Line-up – Preview: Thomas Cup Squads

Strong Danish Line-up – Preview: Thomas Cup Squads

11 May 2018
Li Xuerui Returns – Preview: Uber Cup Squads

Li Xuerui Returns – Preview: Uber Cup Squads

9 May 2018
Bangkok Beckons!

Bangkok Beckons!

2 May 2018
Indonesia, Japan Start ‘Thomas-Uber’ Action

Indonesia, Japan Start ‘Thomas-Uber’ Action

12 April 2018
Japan in ‘Group of Death’

Japan in ‘Group of Death’

22 March 2018
Hong Kong, France Qualify for TUC 2018

Hong Kong, France Qualify for TUC 2018

20 March 2018
Fitness, Equipment in Focus at World Congress

Fitness, Equipment in Focus at World Congress

4 March 2018
Algeria to Debut in Thomas Cup

Algeria to Debut in Thomas Cup

26 February 2018
Canadian Supremacy – Finals: M&F Pan Am Team Championships 2018

Canadian Supremacy – Finals: M&F Pan Am Team Championships 2018

19 February 2018
Denmark’s Reign Continues – Finals: 2018 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships

Denmark’s Reign Continues – Finals: 2018 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships

19 February 2018
Peru Go Down Fighting – Day 3: M&F Pan Am Team Continental Championships 2018

Peru Go Down Fighting – Day 3: M&F Pan Am Team Continental...

18 February 2018
Germany in Title Bout – Day 5: 2018 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships

Germany in Title Bout – Day 5: 2018 European Men’s & Women’s...

18 February 2018
Jamaica, Peru in Semis – Day 2: M&F Pan Am Continental Team Championships 2018

Jamaica, Peru in Semis – Day 2: M&F Pan Am Continental Team...

17 February 2018
Spain Survive Turkish Challenge – Day 4: 2018 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships

Spain Survive Turkish Challenge – Day 4: 2018 European Men’s & Women’s...

16 February 2018
Algeria Make History – Finals: All Africa Men’s & Women’s Team Championships 2018

Algeria Make History – Finals: All Africa Men’s & Women’s Team Championships...

16 February 2018
Tight Wins for Nigeria, Mauritius – Semi-finals: All Africa Men’s & Women’s Team Championships 2018

Tight Wins for Nigeria, Mauritius – Semi-finals: All Africa Men’s & Women’s...

15 February 2018
Poland Ease Past Portugal – Day 2: 2018 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships

Poland Ease Past Portugal – Day 2: 2018 European Men’s & Women’s...

15 February 2018
Indonesia, Japan Triumph – Finals: E-Plus Badminton Asia Team Championships 2018

Indonesia, Japan Triumph – Finals: E-Plus Badminton Asia Team Championships 2018

12 February 2018
Kholik Stars in Indonesia’s Win – Semi-finals: E-Plus Badminton Asia Team Championships 2018

Kholik Stars in Indonesia’s Win – Semi-finals: E-Plus Badminton Asia Team Championships...

10 February 2018
Chinese Taipei Outplay Thailand – Day 2: E-Plus Badminton Asia Team Championships 2018

Chinese Taipei Outplay Thailand – Day 2: E-Plus Badminton Asia Team Championships...

8 February 2018
Australia Prevail in Thriller – Victor Oceania Team Championships 2018

Australia Prevail in Thriller – Victor Oceania Team Championships 2018

7 February 2018
Close Win For Thailand – Day 1: E-Plus Badminton Asia Championships 2018

Close Win For Thailand – Day 1: E-Plus Badminton Asia Championships 2018

7 February 2018
Continental Joust for TUC Qualification

Continental Joust for TUC Qualification

2 February 2018
PARTNERS
Title Sponsor
Image alt