XIAMEN: Japan began their Sudirman Cup campaign with a dominant 5-0 win over Australia, while Malaysia matched the score against France.
Japan’s mixed doubles pair Hiroki Midorikawa and Natsu Saito set the tone, followed by Tomoka Miyazaki’s singles victory and Kodai Naraoka’s win in men’s singles.
Japan, runners-up in 2015, 2019, and 2021, is aiming for its first title.
Malaysia’s strong start included a win from their men’s doubles pair, followed by singles victories from Goh Jin Wei and Leong Jun Hao. Both countries are eyeing their first Sudirman Cup title.
In Group B, South Korea bounced back after a men’s singles loss, with Paris Olympic champion An Se-young leading the charge, and they secured a 4-1 win over Czech Republic.
In the evening session, defending champions China will face Hong Kong, while Taiwan will play Czech Republic and Thailand meets Algeria in the April 27-May 4 tournament.
[Reported by Arab News]
