China sails past opener at Thomas and Uber Cup

The Chinese men and women's teams both set a strong start in the opening day of Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2016 here on Sunday.

Top ranked Chen long beat Lino Munoz 21-12, 21-7 in the first game to led Chinese men's squad to defeat Mexico with a dominating 5-0. World No. 6 Tian Houwei swept Job Castillo 21-7, 21-12 as Qiao Bin lifted the host to a 3-0 lead by beating Luis Ramon Garrido 21-5, 21-5, reports Xinhua.

"I felt a little nervous in the first match. I am happy to be the first singles for our team," said Chen.

Lin Dan, the two-time Olympic winner, was arranged to rest in today's match.

Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen overwhelmed Munoz/Castillo 21-3, 21-9, then Hong Wei/Zheng Siwei starched Lopez Andres/Luis Ramon Garrido 21-12, 21-15.

Defending champions Japan routed France 5-0 without Kento Momota and Kenichi Tago, who were suspended due to gambling scandal. Japan will encounter with China in the last day of the group stage.

In the Uber Cup competition, China enjoyed another 5-0 victory over Malaysia, but meeting more resistance.

Trailing by 11-18 in the decider, Tang Yuanting/Yu Yang scored 10 straight points to beat Vivian Hoo/Woon Khe Wei 21-18, 14-21, 21-11 to made a 2-0 lead for China, who seek for their fourteenth Uber title. World No.3 Li Xuerui took a easy win over Lucas Claerbout 21-13, 21-11 in the opening singles.

"My partner got sick recently, so we didn't play at our best on the pitch." Yu said.

Wang Yihan, the winner of 2016 Badminton Asia Championships, outclassed Jin Wei Goh 21-16, 21-14 to seal the victory.

--IANS

ajb/dg