Top five ties to watch at Thomas Cup 2024

Published at :April 27, 2024 at 7:56 AM

Modified at :April 27, 2024 at 7:56 AM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Fourteen-time champions Indonesia are in the same group as India in Thomas Cup 2024.

The Thomas Cup 2024 promises to be a spectacle of badminton prowess, with top teams from around the globe converging to battle for supremacy. As the premier men’s international team tournament in badminton, the Thomas Cup brings together powerhouse nations, emerging talents, and seasoned veterans.

Both 2022 Thomas Cup finalists, India and Indonesia, find themselves in Group C. Indonesia, aiming for their 15th Thomas Cup title, will face off against India in the group stage, who are determined to defend their title and secure successive victories. It’s worth noting that India clinched the Thomas Cup in the last edition despite finishing second in the group stage.

Meanwhile, China will hope to secure their 11th title on home soil. Strong contenders such as Japan and Denmark are also eyeing the championship. Overall, the battleground looks fierce this time around.

With that said, let’s take a look at the top five ties to watch at the Thomas Cup 2024:

Ties to watch at Thomas Cup 2024

1. Group A: China vs Korea

In this showdown, China boast a formidable men’s singles lineup with Shi Yuqi, Li Shi Feng, and Weng Hong Yang, while Korea will rely on their dominant men’s doubles duo—Kang Min Hyuk/Seo Seung Jae—to challenge China’s top pair, Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang. It would be interesting to see if Korea can create an upset by defeating the 10-time champions China.

2. Group B: Japan vs Chinese Taipei

With the Thomas Cup marking Kento Momota’s farewell on the international stage, all eyes are on him. Momota, who led Japan to their first Thomas Cup victory in 2014, alongside the world no. 5 Kodai Naraoka, supported by Kenta Nishimoto and Koki Watanabe, promises thrilling men’s singles matches.

Additionally, Japan’s dynamic pair, Yugo Kobayashi/Takuro Hoki, will grace the court. On the other side, Chinese Taipei’s hope rest on the experienced Chou Tien Chen, backed by the promising Lin Chun-yi, while their men’s doubles pair, Lu Ching Yao/Yang Po Han, will aim to make an impact.

3. Group C: Indonesia vs India

All eyes are on Indonesia, the 2022 Thomas Cup runners-up and 14-time champions, as they face defending champions India. Led by HS Prannoy and Jonatan Christie respectively, both teams boast strong singles line-ups with players like Lakshya Sen, Srikanth Kidambi, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, and Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo. India’s hopes soar high with the formidable duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, while Indonesia’s doubles pairs, Alfian Fajar/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Bagas Maulana, present a formidable challenge.

4. Group D: Denmark vs Malaysia

Denmark’s world no.1, Viktor Axelsen, leads the charge alongside Anders Antonsen and Rasmus Gemke in men’s singles, while Malaysia rely on Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong. The men’s Doubles category will see Denmark’s Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen and Malaysia’s Aaron Chia/Wooi Yik Soh battling it out for supremacy. This match-up promises to be a close battle and it would be interesting to find out who comes out on top.

5. Group C: India vs Thailand

Another thrilling Group C clash will unfold when India take on Thailand in their Thomas Cup opener. Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn will lead the charge in men’s singles, supported by rising stars Saran Jamsri, Nachakorn Pusri, and Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul. Thailand’s youthful team brings a fresh perspective to the tournament, potentially unveiling new stars.

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