Group Situation More Complicated in Thomas Cup, Chinese Coach

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, May 10, 2002

Group Situation More Complicated in Thomas Cup, Chinese Coach

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After Denmark shocked the pre-meet favorites South Korea on the opening day of the Thomas Cup World Team Badminton Championship, Chinese head coach Li Yongbo warned on Friday that the group situation became more complicated.

Along with Sweden, Denmark, South Korea in the Group A, China now face a tougher fight than expected as they may be led by the nose by the Danes and South Koreans before they reach the semi- finals on home turf.

"It's a complicated situation that we are on the center of a pileup," Li said. "If we lose to either South Korea or Denmark in the following group matches we may be out of the competition.

"We will have to stretch our full wings against Denmark and South Korea."

China will play Denmark on Saturday, who snatched an unexpected 3-2 victory over South Korea in a five-hour marathon thanks to Kenneth Jonassen, Jonas Rasmussen/Lars Paaske and European champion Peter Rasmussen.

"We will keep a cool head and never make the same mistake of South Korea, who I think were defeated by themselves for over confidence," said the doubles world champion turned coach.

According to Li, South Korea lost their consistency after All- Japan singles winner Lee Hyun II was upset by Jonassen 3-2 and then they were overwhelmed by nerves and anxiety following a series of below-par performance.

The South Koreans were tipped among the favorites to win the Thomas Cup, together with title holders Indonesia, hosts China and Malaysia, for their formidable doubles and in-form singles players, including the left-hander Lee.

Li vowed to send the best line-up to the battle against Denmark. "South Korea's loss is a lesson for us and we will surely not repeat the same mistake," he said.

It is the first time that the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup, the sport's showcase events, are held in the Chinese mainland.

Chinese shuttlers promised to keep both cups home, especially the Thomas Cup that eluded them for 10 years.

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