Defending champions China named a formidable line-up for the Thomas and Uber Cup yesterday, but left out women’s world number two Zhang Ning.
There were no surprises among their men, with three of the world’s top four players included for the team championships in Jakarta from May 11-18, the last major tournament before the Beijing Olympics.
World No. 1 Lin Dan spearheads China’s drive for a third consecutive Thomas Cup crown, along with Bao Chunlai, Chen Jin and Chen Yu.
Completing their line-up are He Hanbin and Shen Yu, and doubles pairings Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng, the world No. 2, and Xie Zhongbo/Guo Zhendong.
Indonesia, which has won the Thomas Cup a record 13 times, will be led by Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat, Sony Dwi Kuncoro and Simon Santoso in the singles with Tommy Sugiarto as back-up.
European powerhouse Denmark, the only non-Asian team with a realistic chance of winning the Thomas Cup, named Kenneth Jonassen, Peter Gade and Joachim Persson as their singles players.
Jan Jorgensen, who had a good outing in the European Championships, was also rewarded with a place in the squad.
In the doubles, they bank on veterans Jens Eriksen/Martin Lungaard and former world champions Lars Passke/Jonas Rasmussen. Malaysia’s challenge is headed by world No. 2 Lee Chong Wei, with Choong Hann as the second singles and Hafiz Hashim playing third. Their doubles pairs are Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah and Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong.
A resurgent South Korea are relying on Park Sung-hwan, Lee Hyun-il and Shon Seung-mo to carry their challenge in the singles with the formidable Jung Jae-sung/Lee Yong-dae, and Hwang Ji-man/Lee Jae-jin, in the doubles.
China are hot favorites to retain the women’s Uber Cup for a sixth consecutive time, with Olympic champion Zhang’s unexplained absence not expected to hinder their chances with such a strong team.
World No. 1 Xie Xingfang, world champion Zhu Lin and All England runner-up Lu Lan feature in the singles.
In the doubles, Japan and South Korea are seen as the closest challengers, although few expect them to derail the Chinese juggernaut.
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