Hosts China top group, advance to Sudirman Cup knockouts

Defending champions China beat Thailand 4-1 to sit atop in Group A and advanced to the Sudirman Cup knockout stage in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province on Wednesday evening.

Chinese mixed doubles pair Feng Yanzhe and Wei Yaxin defeated Teeraratsakul Pakkapon and Muenwong Phataimas 23-21, 21-11. Facing Thailand's Wangcharoen Kantaphon in the men's singles match, Li Shifeng edged him 21-18, 17-21 and 21-13 in an 85-minute thriller.

Women's singles world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi lost a grueling battle with Intanon Ratchanok. Wang allowed the first set 19-21 but recovered to clinch the second 21-13 before eventually losing the decider 21-23.

"She played very aggressively today," Wang said. "I performed poorly in many ways, which gave my opponent lots of opportunities and confidence. I hope my failure can be transformed into valuable experience."

China had comfortable wins in the men's doubles and women's doubles competitions. Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang beat their opponents 21-14, 21-14 in the men's doubles match, while Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning won 21-11, 21-8 in the women's event.

In Group B, four-time champions South Korea overcame a men's singles stumble to defeat Chinese Taipei 4-1, ranking first in the group.