Despite being the reigning Uber Cup champions, Korea bear a vulnerable look as they head in to defend the title they won in 2022.
An Se Young, the ace in their pack, has been nursing a knee injury for a while now. Another blow was Kim Ga Eun picking up an injury at the Badminton Asia Championships, denying the team the benefit of a strong second singles player.
That will mean Sim Yu Jin stepping up for second singles, while the critical third singles will fall to the inexperienced Kim Ga Ram.
In some ways, Korea’s situation is similar to 2022, when there was some doubt about how their second and third singles would perform.
Sim, the player who won the title for Korea with an improbable win in the final match, admitted she was feeling the pressure with Kim Ga Eun pulling out.
“At the last Uber Cup there was no pressure on me, but this time I’m second singles and I’m feeling the pressure, but I will try my best,” said Sim.
“When I won that time, I felt more confident and set more targets. I got more famous in Korea, and a lot of people came to know of me. When the Uber Cup was over I was feeling very good. I felt my speed was very good, but now I’m thinking too much, so I’m a bit confused, but I think I can fix it.”
Coach Sung Ji Hyun admitted the team would find it challenging in singles, particularly with An’s injury and Kim Ga Eun’s absence. But the coach believes the team could pull off another impressive campaign.
“We come in as champions, but I think our players are feeling the pressure, because they want to win it again,” said Sung. “I wish that we play our best, and not worry about the result. Kim Ga Eun is injured, but An, Sim and the women’s doubles are strong. So I hope we can be champions again.”
The question on everybody’s mind, with respect to the Korean campaign, is An’s physical condition. How is she coping with the knee injury?
“This depends, it’s different each day,” said Sung. “When she feels her body is heavy, she feels more pain. She isn’t 100 per cent but it’s getting better.”
Like last time, a relatively unknown player might have to step up for Korea in third singles, and that role will fall to Kim Ga Ram.
“Kim Ga Ram will play third singles. Our No.3 and No.4 are not very experienced. I hope they don’t feel pressured and nervous. Hopefully they can enjoy the match,” said Sung.