Hosts China started their title defense by thrashing Algeria 5-0 in the first round of the group stage at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, on Sunday.
World No. 1 mixed doubles pair Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin were unchallenged as they defeated Koceila Mammeri and Tanina Violettle Mammeri 21-11, 21-13 in China’s opening tie.
“It’s exciting to make our Sudirman Cup debut in China’s first match,” Wei said. “Team competitions feel very different from tour events and every point matters for the squad.”
World No. 2 Wang Zhiyi and top-ranked men’s singles player Shi Yuqi extended China’s lead to 3-0, both securing 2-0 wins.
“Playing my fifth Sudirman Cup shows I’ve maintained my level for a long time,” Shi said.
The wins continued in the doubles competitions as Paris Olympic women’s gold medalists Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan, and men’s debutants Chen Boyang and Liu Yi sealed the sweep with identical 2-0 results.
In another Group A match, Thailand blanked Hong Kong, China, 5-0, leaving both China and Thailand atop the early standings.
Elsewhere, four-time champions South Korea eased to a 4-1 win over Czech Republic, and Chinese Taipei also secured a 4-1 win over Canada in Group B. In Group D, Denmark thrashed India 4-1, while Indonesia trounced England 5-0.
The Sudirman Cup, badminton’s premier mixed-team championship, runs through May 4.
