‘Team Korea’ Rules University Badminton

‘Team Korea’ Rules University Badminton

Before enthusiastic hometown fans, Korea romped to a commanding 3-0 triumph in the final of the team competition at the 12th FISU World University Badminton Championship (WUBC) versus China yesterday.

Playing in Gwangju, South Korea, the hosts routed the defending WUBC champions; sweeping the Men’s Singles, Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles categories and thereby eliminating the need for either Women’s match to be contested.

In the Men’s Singles clash, China’s Tian Hou Wei battled Lee Dong Keun of Korea. Tian appeared to be comfortably in control, wrapping up the first game quickly, 21-9. However, Lee had other ideas and set about repairing the damage by taking the second game 21-19. The deciding third game was marked by a back-and-forth struggle between the rivals; both seeking to gain the upper hand. Lee ultimately conquered Tian, 22-20.

His heroics were followed up by team-mates in Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles to secure the gold medal for Korea after three days of competition. Korea’s victorious party included two-time Olympic medallist and badminton superstar, Lee Yong Dae, competing in Men’s Doubles alongside Kim Ki Jung.

China (left, backing) had to settle for silver while Japan and Chinese Taipei – beaten 3-1 and 3-0 by China and Korea respectively in the semi-finals – shared bronze honours. Korea had advanced to the knockout stage from their round-robin group which included Great Britain and Sri Lanka.

Attention now turns to the individual battle in the accustomed five disciplines – Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles – with the finals of these events bringing the curtains down on the six-day tournament on Sunday.

The 12th World University Badminton Championship (WUBC), which has brought together about 180 shuttlers from more than 18 countries, is hosted by FISU (International University Sports Federation) and is a prelude to the 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade. Matches are taking place at Yeomju Gymnasium and Bithgoeul Gymnasium under the tournament slogan “With a Ray of Passion”.

The 6-11 November spectacle began with an opening ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, featuring a parade of nations and speeches by various officials, including Mayor of Gwangju and Chair of WUBC Organising Committee, Kang Un-tae, and FISU representative, Alison Odell.

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Click here for scores and other information from the 2012 FISU World University Badminton Championship in Gwangju, South Korea.

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