Chinese Taipei and India celebrated surprise results as the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships drew to a close today.
Throngs of flag-waving Chinese Taipei supporters cheered loudly as their team beat Japan 3-0 in the play-off to claim third place; their best-ever finish in the Suhandinata Cup’s 15-year history.
“I am really proud of my team and to win 3-0 versus Japan. It is our best and we are very happy,” said Chinese Taipei coach, Lee Sung Yuan, whose team won Mixed Doubles, Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles in that order.
Meanwhile, India inflicted more misery on No. 2 seeds, Korea, with a similar margin of victory to earn ninth position overall; their best result since 2011.
“The players, the coaches and staff were all excellent this past week. We have done very well. In 2011, we were sixth and we are improving and getting back to that level again,” declared Indian head coach, Sudhir Singh, who was especially pleased with the performance of the doubles pairs.
“The doubles is a great sign for Indian badminton. We are getting support from the Badminton Association of India and, with this performance, these players deserve more – and I hope we get the attention we deserve.”
Meanwhile, Malaysia took fifth place, defeating Thailand 3-1 while Denmark rebounded from 2-0 down to snatch seventh position from Hong Kong, 3-2 in the tie.
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