New Delhi: World number one Li Xuerui and All England champion Shixian Wang led badminton powerhouse China to their 13th Uber cup title as they defeated five-time champions Japan 3-1 in the finals of the prestigious tournament here on Saturday.
Defending champions China came up with a dominating performance as Li and Shixian won their singles matches in straight games, while Yunlei Zhao and Xiaoli Wang run through their opponents in the second doubles without much ado, to help their team retain the title.
It was always going to be an uphill task for Japan but they failed to even put up a fight against the overwhelming favourites, finishing runners-up for the second time.
Olympic champion Li spanked world no 12 Minatsu Mitani 21-15 21-5 in the first singles, while world no 2 Shixian brushed aside Sayaka Takahashi 21-16 21-12 after their doubles pair of Yixin Bao and Jinhua Tang went down to Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi 18-21 9-21 to give Japan a chance.
It was left to their second-best doubles pair of Yunlei Zhao and Xiaoli Wang to finish the job and they did it in style, defeating Miyuki Maeda and Reika Kakiiwa 21-16 21-6 in 37 minutes.
Once the tie was sealed in China’s favour, prize distribution followed as the Indian and Korean team walked onto the dais. Chief coach Pullela Gopichand led the way for the Indian team, which also had Saina Nehwal wrapped in the tri-colour.
The Koreans were the first to be handed the bronze medal, followed by India, who savoured their moment amid cheers and standing ovation from the spectators. BAI president Akhilesh Dasgupta handed the silver medals to the Japanese team.
Finally, China were handed over the trophy and gold medals by BWF President Poul-Erik Hoyer amid a bevy of photographers looking for a vantage point at the Siri Fort Complex.
Men’s team loss gave us extra motivation: Shixian
All England champion Shixian Wang of China today said the shocking loss of their men’s team in the Thomas Cup semi-finals had spurred them to do well as they clinched their 13th title at the Uber Cup here today.
Badminton powerhouse China, who won the title nine times, were knocked out by Korea 0-3 in the semi-finals but their women’s team made up for them by winning the Uber Cup crown for the 13th time, defeating Japan 3-1 in the finals.
World no 2 Shixian said: “People are looking into China’s defeat because China does not lose that often. We cannot be beaten easily.
“Four years ago in Uber Cup, China lost to Korea. I was in that team and we know that feeling. We were so depressed. The men’s team goes through the same but they will come back.
“That is an alarm for Chinese badminton team. It did give us some extra motivation,” she said.
Chinese coach Li Yongbo praised the Indian women for their bronze-winning effort.
“Saina and Sindhu played much better than expected and I congratulate the Indian team for the historic bronze. But expect more audience next time. It was a good tournament not only from organisation point but also in terms of performance.” (PTI)