Xiamen: Defending champions China solidified their dominance in Group A of the 2025 Sudirman Cup by defeating Thailand 4-1 in their final group match, advancing to the quarterfinals as group leaders.
Both China and Thailand entered the match with two wins apiece, having already secured their quarterfinal berths. Today’s encounter determined who would top the group and gain a favorable draw for the knockout stage.
China’s day started strong in the mixed doubles as Feng Yanzhe and Wei Yaxin, a newly formed pair, overcame Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Phataimas Muenwong 23-21, 21-11.
Feng commented post-match:
“Even when we were trailing toward the end of the first game, we believed in ourselves. During deuce, we had a long rally and stayed focused throughout.”
Next, in men’s singles, Li Shifeng battled for 85 minutes to edge out Kantaphon Wangcharoen 21-18, 17-21, 21-13, celebrating with a fist pump after sealing the win. It’s worth noting that Thailand rested Olympic silver medalist Kunlavut Vitidsarn, which might have influenced the outcome.
Thailand’s only win came in the women’s singles, where former world champion Ratchanok Intanon triumphed over Wang Zhiyi in a gripping 79-minute duel, winning 21-19, 13-21, 23-21 to make it 2-1 in the tie.
China responded strongly in the men’s doubles. Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang sealed the victory by defeating Supak Jomkoh and Kittinupong Kedren 21-14, 21-14.
The final match saw China’s Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning dominate Supissara Paewsampran and Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat 21-11, 21-8 in the women’s doubles to make it a 4-1 win.
With this result, China advances to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Sudirman Cup as Group A leaders and remain firm favorites to defend their title.
