China made a powerful start to their Sudirman Cup title defense, sweeping Algeria 5-0 in the opening round of the group stage in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, on Sunday.
World No.1 mixed doubles pair Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin set the tone with a commanding 21-11, 21-13 victory over Koceila Mammeri and Tanina Violettle Mammeri.
“It’s exciting to make our Sudirman Cup debut in China’s first match,” Wei shared. “Team competitions feel very different from tour events, and every point matters for the squad.”
World No.2 Wang Zhiyi and top-ranked men’s singles player Shi Yuqi extended China’s lead to 3-0, both securing straight-set wins.
“Playing my fifth Sudirman Cup shows I’ve maintained my level for a long time,” Shi reflected.
The momentum continued in the doubles matches, with women’s pair Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan, and men’s duo Chen Boyang and Liu Yi, both claiming 2-0 victories to seal the sweep.
In another Group A encounter, Thailand dominated the Hong Kong region, winning 5-0, leaving both China and Thailand at the top of the early standings.
Elsewhere, four-time champions South Korea cruised to a 4-1 win over the Czech Republic, and Chinese Taipei secured a 4-1 victory against Canada in Group B. In Group D, Denmark overpowered India 4-1, while Indonesia swept England 5-0.
The Sudirman Cup, badminton’s premier mixed-team championship, runs through May 4.
