Rashid: Korea could end China's Sudirman Cup reign

KUALA LUMPUR: Can anyone stop China from sweeping to a 14th Sudirman Cup title in Xiamen from April 27-May 4?With a squad boasting three world No. 1s — Shi Yu Qi (men's singles), Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning (women's doubles) and Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin (mixed doubles) — and a world No. 2 in Wang Zhi Yi (women's singles), the defending champions look near-invincible on paper.

But former national shuttler Datuk Rashid Sidek believes South Korea could spring a surprise.World No. 1 An Se Young and men's pair Seo Seung Jae-Kim Won Ho (No.



20) are in blistering form and are expected to deliver valuable points. Their women's doubles pairs — Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee (No. 3) and Kim Hye Jeong-Kong Hee Yong (No.

9) — are also capable of unsettling even the most dominant of Chinese sides.Although Se Young is managing a thigh injury, Rashid believes world No. 15 Sim Yu Jin can step in and keep South Korea's hopes alive.

"China are still favourites, but South Korea could pull off an upset," said Rashid."Their men's doubles pair are close to unbeatable right now, and they're strong in both women's and mixed doubles too. "China look certain only in men's singles with Shi Yu Qi while the rest could go either way.

"To be honest, it would be good for the competition. If China dominate again, the Sudirman Cup will become a dull affair."South Korea have lifted the trophy four times, including two victories over China in 2003 and 2017.

With Park Joo Bong, who won the title in 1991 and 1993 as a player, now back as coach, they could well dethrone the reigning champions.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.