SUDIRMAN CUP 2011 QF Draw: Denmark, lucky, Korea, not Lucky

The draws of the Sudirman Cup quarter-finals were made right after the last group match of the first division of the event – namely just after Korea beat Denmark and assured a spot in the quarters away from the other seeds. But the Koreans, who did the job, were not rewarded with the draw, as Sung Han Kook’s boys and girls should play back to back Malaysia in the quarter and China in the semi-final – something they had hoped to avoid until the last match.

China will play India – a so called “good draw” on paper as apart from Saina Nehwal, few Indians have ever challenged the Chinese. Gopichand’s squad was not very lucky for their first participation in the quarter finals of the Sudirman Cup but can also be rejoicing about a great tie to come in a boiling atmosphere – and nothing to lose.

The upper part of the draw is clearly the toughest part with China, Korea, Malaysia and India. Denmark, on their end, could be happy even after their loss of the evening: playing Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals, they are likely to go through to the semi-finals, with points expected in the singles (Gade and Baun) while there will be one missing point which could come from their mixed doubles combination of men’s doubles, or even the women’s doubles, even if Chien/Cheng are probably the strongest point for Taipei.

Last but not least, Indonesia secured their second seeded spot after beating Malaysia to top their group. And they will play Japan, for what could be one of the most balanced ties. With the absence of Taufik, Kido/Setiawan and Natsir, the Japanese have a good card to play with Denmark as a probable opponent in the semi-final.

The draw :

1. CHINA vs INDIA
KOREA vs. MALAYSIA

DENMARK vs. CHINESE TAIPEI
2. INDONESIA vs. JAPAN