General

Hans-Kristian Vittinghus was the man that secured them the Thomas CUp in 2016. Photo: Mark Phelan
Denmark leads European charge heading to Bangkok
Date: 5/17/2018 9:58 AM
Published by : David Grice(BEC)

The Thomas & Uber Cup has traditionally been dominated by Asian nations. But after Denmark’s historic win in the Thomas Cup at Kunshanin 2016, confidence is streaming through the rest of the European participants as Bangkok is the destination for the latest installment of this prestigious team championship.

The Danes are back, looking stronger than ever with a star-studded line-up that includes the same group players that took the crown from Indonesia two years ago.

World number one men’s singles player Viktor Axelsen is back after being crowned European Champion and will be relied upon to give their team the best possible start when it comes to the knock-out stages.

Also involved in the singles for Denmark will be rising star Anders Antonsen. While Antonsen is ranked in the world’s top 20, the 21-year old has little to shout about in 2018. But after his strong performance in the Men’s& Women’s Team Championships earlier in the year, this may be the breakthrough that sees Antonsen get a place in the top 10.

On the doubles side, the absence of Carsten Mogensen will not deter their aim of retaining their team title as five of the six doubles Danish players are currently in the world’s top 10. Also joining them will be Mathias Christiansen. His win in India, semis at the All England Open and final appearance at the European Championships has given a well-deserved place in the team.

See also: Thomas Cup match winner: A great draw

In the same group as Denmark, will be a Russian side whose main aim will be to get past the group stages. They will be relying upon doubles pair Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov. Their semi-final efforts at the European Championships puts them in strong form.

The other two European nations competing in the Thomas Cup will be France and Germany. Their recent record in this competition has seen them flirt with progression to the knockout stages, so having their top players in form is crucial for these countries chances. The pressure will certainly be on singles players Brice Leverdez and Lucas Corvee. Reaching the semis and quarters respectively at the European Championships puts them in good stead when facing off against the best the rest of the world has to offer.

As for Germany, it is men's doubles pairs Marks Lamsfuss and Marvin Emil Seidel, as well as Jones Ralfy Jansen Josche Zurwonne that will be looking to give guidance to their team-mates if they are going to make an impact.

In the Uber Cup, there has been even smaller success for Europe’s best in the last decade. It is the quarter-finals stage where we usually have to say farewell. This has been the case for Denmark in particular,who have reached this stage in every Uber Cup since 2008.

Not having world number two doubles pair Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Christinna Pedersen will be a big loss for them. So it looks to be down to Denmark’s number one singles player Mia Blichfeldt and doubles pair Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen to maintain their countries healthy record in this competition.

The last European nation to make past the group stages were Germany in 2012. With a large portion of their squad aged in their early twenties, it made need a breakthrough performance from their rising stars. One player in particular in the form of teenage of Yvonne Li could spring a surprise or two. The 19-year old made it a week to at the European Champinships by reaching the quarter-finals. Performances like that is what will be required if Germany are going to make to the last eight.

Russia will be making their fifth appearance in the Uber Cup,and their quarter-final showing in 2010 still feels fresh in the memory.Looking to give them new ones will be lead by doubles pairs Anastasia Chervyakova and Olga Morozova, as well as Ekaterina Bolotova and Alina Davletova.

Due to Spain and England withdrawing their invites, France will be competing in the Uber Cup for the first time and have nothing to lose.Without their number one singles player Delphine Lansac, it is up to doubles pairs Emilie Lefel and Anne Tran, along with Delphine Delrue and Lea Palermo if they are going to cause trouble for their opponents.

See also: France qualify for TUC 2018

For a full list of the draw for the Thomas & Uber Cup, click here.


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