Thomas Cup Preview: Chinese Taipei the Team to Watch

Thomas Cup Preview: Chinese Taipei the Team to Watch

More than any other recent edition, this year’s Thomas Cup is notable for having at least six equally-strong contenders. At the outset, China, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, India and Denmark all seem capable of winning the trophy.

Consider Chinese Taipei, who are not one of the traditional powers. Yet, this time they have a wealth of resources in both singles and doubles, and do have a shot at executing what India did in 2022 – win their first-ever title.

Led by Chou Tien Chen, and backed by recent Swiss Open winner Lin Chun-Yi and Wang Tzu Wei in singles, and quality and choice in doubles, Chinese Taipei have a well-rounded look about them.

The team has never made it past the quarterfinals, and Chou expressed his confidence that they could go far this time.

“This time, in three singles and two doubles we are really strong,” said Chou. “So we think we have a chance to get to the semis or more. We are really focused this time, and we will try to find our best here.

“We’ve never been in the semifinals, so we really want to win. For me, I feel more relaxed because my teammates can back me. I think I can play much better than at other tournaments. I’m really happy to play here.”

Their doubles pairs – Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin and Lee Jhe-Huei/Yang Po-Hsuan have both had strong results in recent months, and although singles spearhead Chou has struggled with consistency, the second and third singles are in capable hands. Experience is an important asset for third singles when the tie is in the balance, and Wang can hold his own against any opponent in that position.

Chinese Taipei are in Group B with Japan, Germany and Czechia. While Japan’s men’s players have had limited success lately, they did make the semifinals of the Badminton Asia Team Championships despite missing Kodai Naraoka. The presence of the talismanic Kento Momota could galvanise the Japanese into another epic performance.

India surprised many by capturing the Thomas Cup in 2022, and while the team is likely to remain unchanged, their performances, except for Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty, have been inconsistent. Lakshya Sen found form in Europe after a long spell of early defeats, but H.S. Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth are some way off their best. Still, given that team matches are a different challenge, the Indians do have the experience and the personnel to do well this time too.

Resurgent Indonesia

India’s Group C clash with Indonesia is likely to be among the early highlights of the tournament. With Jonatan Christie, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo hitting form in Europe, and with strong doubles pairs, the Indonesians will back themselves to do a repeat of 2021.

Denmark, in Group D, are also among the frontline contenders. The Danes can look to Viktor Axelsen, Anders Antonsen and Rasmus Gemke, while in doubles, Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen and Rasmus Kjaer/Frederik Sogaard are capable of delivering two points against any opposition.

The Danes are grouped with Malaysia, Hong Kong China and Algeria. With Ng Tze Yong pulling out due to injury, Malaysia are heavily dependent on Lee Zii Jia and the two doubles to deliver three points. Hong Kong China can pose a threat with the likes of Lee Cheuk Yiu and Ng Ka Long Angus and a few other players with experience such as Tang Chun Man and Lee Chun Hei Reginald.

Formidable China

As for hosts China, in Group A with Korea, Canada and Australia, the presence of Shi Yu Qi, Li Shi Feng, Wang Chang/Liang Wei Keng and Liu Yu Chen/Ou Xuan Yi gives them a formidable look.

Apart from these contenders, teams like Canada and Thailand could throw the higher-ranked powers into disarray. In Group A, Canada will hope to upset Korea, who are notably lean in singles, while Thailand could be the dark horse in Group C against whom Indonesia and India will have to be wary.