As you probably all know by now, the groups for the TC are as follows: Group A: CHN, INA, USA Group B: KOR, GER, NZL Group C: MAS, THA, RSA Group D: DEN, JPN, ENG Groups B, C, D have obvious winners. But Group A could be won by either CHN or INA. From my point of view, the tournament tree will then look like below:
In other words, I would suggest that the semis will look like this: DEN vs INA CHN vs KOR or like this: DEN vs CHN INA vs KOR I'd say that either way, we'll see China vs Indonesia in the final. (Although I'd love to be proven wrong) But the good news for the other teams is that logic does not always prevail in sports!
that's a great analysis and very nicely presented! imho, Denmark is a strong team this year, much much stronger than they ever have been and i personally put them ahead of Malaysia and Korea. if that's really the case, then from INA/CHN's perspective, they should fight hard to be on top of their group match to avoid facing DEN early. but either way, it will be a bloody battle between the 5 countries. none of them will be easy. only a few days away, cannot wait!!
best if it is CHN vs INA in the finals.... hahaha so exciting n interesting then all my fave players will b playing
Malaysia - very unpredictable in team events. Some time they are underdog but they play well. When they are favourites, they are not very good. Unfortunately, the draw is not very good for them to top their group. Maybe it is better to be 2nd in their group to avoid China or Indonesia. Korea - injury would hamper their chances Denmark - Could surprise everyone but historically they are not that good in Thomas Cup I would think China vs Indonesia final too. China could win this event as their doubles are no longer the weak points (all thanks to coach Tong Sinfu, ex-Indon coach)
Yes, that's an interesting idea. That's probably the safest way for Malaysia to reach at least the semi-finals... But they will play to win the group, I am sure.
Look at it this way. Whether Malaysia finishes first, second or third in the group, they will still have to face either Indonesia or China (assuming that they finish first and second) at the very latest in the semifinals. What's the difference if you lose in the semis or the quarters?
and more $$. and being called a semifinalist, like 'XXX team was a semifinalist at the last Thomas Cup Finals...'
Chiina will be very strong now i see china team i'm sure they will win TC and UC. UC 99% hahhaha TC 90% they will take their revenge after japan open who was a real defeat for them. syaoran
I agree with Mag The groups will finish in the printed order, As everyone knows the only possible upset is INa v CHN at group stage. ENG I predict lose to Japan since they are without their no.2 singles and no.2 doubles players (Archer, Haughton) Group order... Group A: CHN, INA, USA Group B: KOR, GER, NZL Group C: MAS, THA, RSA Group D: DEN, JPN, ENG Second round: RSA v JPn = JPN win INA (possibly CHN) vs NZL = INA win USA vs GER = GER win THA vs ENG = THA win Qtrs CHN vs JPN= CHN INA vs MAS=INA GER vs DEN=DEN KOR vs THA = KOR Semis CHN vs DEN=CHN INA vs KOR=INA Final CHN vs INA=CHN I think DEN will lose to CHN since DEN have only two on form world class singles vs CHINA's 3, therefore DEN go into that match 1-0 down, with the other 2 doubles and 2 singles being 50% chance of DEN winning. Boesen is capable of an upset but hasn't been on great form, same goes for Rasmussen. When you add in that it is played in Indonesia the conditions will favour the chinese so on balance I have to say CHN win although I would love to see DEN win!!!
On the other hand, one could argue that Denmark is quite capable of winning both doubles against China. Then they only need one single victory to topple China...
Korea or Denmark from Chinese media report on site, Li Mao (ex-Chinese coach now coaching Korea) says that Korea isn't aiming for TC/UC win. they think that either way they cannot win the cups, thus they are leaving Ra and Ha at home. both Ra/Ha are injured but not very serious. they could've attended TC/UC if they chose to. however, as their chance of winning is slim, they chose to focus on the Olympics instead. if one look at Mag's diagram. this give CHN/INA another reason to top their group. the winner of their group will face KOR in semifinals. without Ha, it should be much easier a match to beat KOR and then go straight into the final. the loser of the group will have to battle DEN and MAS. i am sure the coaches of each team will realize the same and thus we can expect to see a bloody battle between CHN/INA at the group match.
Agree with this... China and Indo will definately want to top their group to avoid a likely quarterfinal with Malaysia and semifinal with Denmark. Winner of pool A gets a clear run to the final.
Is it me or isn't China now on course to face Denmark and Indonesia if they get past Malaysia who are on course to face Korea or Thailand. I seem to remember to have figured this out before the tournament and someone posted the schedule on BF somewhere which led me to believe the same ... so losing may not be the worst thing afterall. Personally I don't see Indo beating Denmark, doubt anyone can but China. So can anyone confirm this? The official site isn't exactly clear as you all should've noticed. So much for this theory Just figured it out on the official site (I think). So a Denmark - China final then
QF Line up: China vs Japan Korea vs Thailand Denmark vs Germany Malaysia vs Indonesia (As beautifully described here: http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15422 ) So China have an easier match in Japan, then a probable match against a weakened korean team, whereas INA have a Evenly matched, dangerous malaysian side, then probably a semi against a very strong DEN team. So it WOULD have benefited INA to win.
