Amid badminton mania in Nanning, China brace for tough knockout test
The victory was never in doubt, only the margin. Braving the scorching sun and sweltering heat, Chinese fans reveled in their 5-0 drubbing of an outclassed India in Nanning, southern China, clinching a spot in the knockout stages of the 2019 Sudirman Cup.
"I'm deeply convinced we could win it. Our pre-eminence has been a marvelous sight for everyone to see," beamed Wang Siyuan from Shanghai, who had taken a week-long sabbatical to follow Team China.
"We have shown an unparalleled resolve and focus so far. China will bring the title back," echoed Cai Yunqi, as she glided out of Guangxi Sports Center Gymnasium with a wide grin plastered on her face.
Team China builds a circle to cheer before the match against India during the Sudirman Cup in Nanning, south China, May 22, 2019. /VCG Photo
"This Chinese team provides me the comfort of assurance. I could feel it when I watched the game here. That harrowing defeat to South Korea (in 2017 Sudirman Cup final) was just a blip," she added.
With talk of China's bravura performance dominating conversations, badminton mania has distinctly swept the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Even taxi drivers, who are customarily subject to long, inflexible working hours, have got in on the act.
"Obviously I don't have time to watch the tournament at home, let alone buy a ticket to enjoy it in the gymnasium," said Lu Guojin, a gentle and warm spirit who drove me to the city's main drag.
Fifth-ranked women's singles star Chen Yufei is the only Chinese shuttler who plays every match of the group stages in this Sudirman Cup. /VCG Photo
"But I try my best to keep abreast of the latest updates, attentively listening to what is being said on the radio."
"I heard China is doing pretty well right now. Mark my words, it won't be a smooth ride late on," Lu quipped.
Not that China are getting too carried away by their emphatic qualification for the quarter-finals. Zhang Jun, chairman of the Chinese Badminton Association, has duly downplayed the nature of his side's recent thrashings, instead choosing to focus on their upcoming clash with Denmark in the last eight.
Zhang Jun (R) insists that his team won't get carried away by their dominating display in the group stages. /VCG Photo
"The two consecutive 5-0 thumping wins speak volumes about China's quality and power," observed Zhang, a two-time Olympic champion in 2000 and 2004.
"But there are also hidden dangers which we cannot ignore."
"We lost two sets in two men's doubles matches, both of which ended 2-1. And Chen Yufei was pushed to the extreme before emerging triumphant in a three-set thriller during her first women's singles match."
"There will be an analysis of each match (in the group stages). We are going to pull out all the stops to be well-prepared for taking on our next opponent."