Germany and Russia both suffered 1-4 defeats to two power houses in the badminton world on the first day of the 2017 Sudirman Cup at Australia's Gold Coast on Sunday. The Germans - last edition’s quarter-finalist - lost to Japan while Russia lost out to Korea.
Marc Zwiebler, playing the last Sudirman Cup of his career, won the men’s singles against Kenta Nishimoto (world no. 61) in straight games 21-8, 21-18 to grab the only point for his country. Unfortunately for Germany, the Japanese had too much class in the women’s singles, women’s doubles and men’s doubles.
World number 20 Zwiebler said after the defeat: „Obviously we are not the favorites against Japan and Malaysia. But we didn't come all the way down under to surrender without a fight. We lost 1-4 against Japan and our only chance to advance to the quarter-finals is beating Malaysia on Tuesday. It’s going to be far from easy but we will give everything to create an upset.“
Korea downed Russia 4-1 in Group 1B. Former Yonex All-England Champions Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov beat Won Ho Kim/Seung Jae Seo 21-18, 21-18. In all other categories, the Koreans proved too strong for Russia today.
Scotland vs Canada: As close as it gets
Things were a lot closer for Scotland, with Kirsty Gilmour falling to Michelle Li in the women's singles. Gilmour battled back after losing the first game 21-12 to take a marathon second game 24-22.
However, it was as close as she got as Li won the third match 21-18. Gimour's defeat was part of three-match slide from Scotland, who had opened up a 2-0 lead, before letting things slip altogether.
Kieran Merrilees had made it 2-0 to Scotland after beating Jason Anthony Ho-Shue in the men's singles. Afterwards, Merrilees was magnanimous in victory: "It's a nice stadium although there is a little bit of wind. This is where my experience could have helped me."
In the end the Britons lost 2-3.
The opening day also featured a clear victory for Slovakia as they hammered Tahiti 5-0 in Group 3B action.
Tomorrow, Monday, will see Denmark take on India on day 2 of the official World Mixed Team Championships.
Click HERE for all results of the BWF Total Sudirman Cup 2017.
Click HERE to visit the official website of the Sudirman Cup 2017.
Article by Manuel Rösler. Photo by BadmintonPhoto.