The quarterfinals of the Sudirman Cup 2013 was on Thursday, May 23 having had a day off on Wednesday.
Denmark, Europe’s superstar, was solid enough to make the semifinals by defeating Chinese Taipei. It was also the first time for Thailand to take home a medal from the mixed team event.
Mixed doubles was the first match between Denmark and Chinese Taipei. Christinna Pedersen (NR800 ,SHB01- LX)/Joachim Fischer gave their team a strong start by defating Chen Hung Ling/Cheng Wen Hsing, 21-13 21-16.
After Jan O Jorgensen won the tough match against Hsueh Hsuan Yi, Mathias Boe (VT80)/Carsten Mogensen (ARC-FB) secured a 3-0 victory for Denmark. Mathias and Carsten defeated Lee Sheng Mu/Tsai Chia Hsin in straight games, 21-18 21-11.
Denmark faces the defending champion China in the semifinal on Saturday, May 25. Thailand and Japan played for their first semifinal spot.
After the loss of the first mixed doubles, Japan’s Kenichi Tago (ARC-ZS) tied it up 1-1 in the men’s singles match against Saensomboonsuk Tanongsak. The first game proved challenging for Kenichi as he was denied any leads before 20 - all due to his opponent’s strong offensive attacking. From 15-20, Kenichi had an amazing comeback by capturing 7 consecutive points. Saensomboonsuk continued to smash in the second game, but Kenichi earned his trademark net winners to lead finishing the match 22-20 21-18.
The first game of men’s doubles was also very close. Thailand’s Maneepong Jongjit (VT80)/Nipitphon Puangpuapech (VT80) were 4 points away 16-20 from Hiroyuki Endo (VTZF)/Kenichi Hayakawa of Japan. It was Thailand’s turn for a comeback this time with Maneepong and Nipitphon winning to the lead for Thailand 27-25 21-16.
Ace shuttler Ratchanok Inthanon (ARC-FB, SHB01- LX) secured a spot in the semifinals of the women’s singles match against Sayaka Takahashi (NR700FX). In this seesaw game, Sayaka’s defence and attack challenged world No. 5 Ratchanok. Sayaka seemed to be leading the decider, however, Ratchanok returned aggressive plays at 17-19. She denied Sayaka any points as the match continued and ended the game with Thailand earning a historical victory. The final score was 21-19 9-21 21-19.
Thailand meets Korea in the semifinals.
[Level 1] Tournament Results - Day 5 & Schedule
Results of Day 5
Quarterfinals
Denmark def. Chinese Taipei 3-0
Thailand def. Japan 3-1
Korea def. Germany 3-0
China def. Indonesia 3-2
Schedule of Day 7
Semifinals
Denmark vs. China
Thailand vs. Korea 7