Top five title favourites for Uber Cup 2024

Published at :April 20, 2024 at 6:26 PM

Modified at :May 15, 2024 at 11:50 PM

(Courtesy : BWF Youtube Channel (Screenshot))

South Korea are the defending champions.

The Uber Cup 2024, badminton’s premier women’s team event, is set to take center stage from April 28 to May 5 in the Chinese city of Chengdu.

The Uber Cup finals, inaugurated in 1956-57, hold a special place in badminton history. Named after the visionary British player Betty Uber, who conceptualized a women’s team event akin to the men’s Thomas Cup, the tournament has become a hallmark of excellence and national pride.

Initially contested at three-year intervals, the Uber Cup finals have been held biennially since 1984, aligning its schedule with the Thomas Cup to create a unified spectacle of badminton team events. This synchronization has further elevated the profile and prestige of the women’s tournament.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, was chosen to host the 2024 edition, returning the event to Chinese soil after eight years.

The defending champions, South Korea, will be aiming to retain their crown after their triumphant performance at the previous edition. However, they can expect fierce competition from powerhouses like China, Japan as well as emerging forces who would be eager to be part of Uber Cup history.

Let’s delve into the list of teams and NOCs who are front-runners to clinch the title:

List of top five title favourites for Uber Cup 2024

China

The most obvious name at the top. To illustrate, all 10 members of this year’s Uber Cup squad have a medal at the Badminton Asia Championships 2024. Chen Yufei, He Bing Jiao, Han Yue, Wang Zhiyi, Chen Qingchen, Jia Yifan, Liu Sheng Shu, Tan Ning, Zheng Yu and Zhang Shuxian are part of the squad.

These names alone signify the team’s overwhelming dominance. They are the clear gold medal favorites, especially on their home turf.

South Korea

The defending champions from last time out, led by World No. 1 An Se-young. Their major strength lies in the doubles section, with two world-class pairs making up the team.

Last edition’s hero Sim Yu-jin, who went undefeated throughout the event to secure the decisive result for the team, is also part of the squad. Although the team will miss Kim Ga-eun, they remain serious medal contenders.

Japan

The 2018 champions, led by two-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi, are a formidable force. The in-form pair of Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, along with Aya Ohori, Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara can stir up anyone.

With junior world champion Tomoka Miyazaki also in the ranks, the 2018 champions spell danger for everyone and could potentially take it all.

Thailand

Another medal favourite, Team Thailand appear strong and formidable. Led by the “Ballerina of the Court,” Ratchanok Intanon, the team poses a significant threat to many nations. They are the fourth pillar of the “Fabulous Four” teams of the Uber Cup.

Thailand boast some of the premier badminton players in their ranks with the likes of Busanan Ongbamrungphan, Supanida Katethong, Pornpawee Chochuwong, and the pairs of Jongkolphan Kititharakul, Rawinda Prajongjai and the Aimsaard sisters.

Chinese Taipei

This event marks the last team appearance for Tai Tzu-ying. We will witness her play in a team event for the final time. Chinese Taipei seem decent and well-prepared for at least a quarterfinal finish. They are definitely a team to watch out for.

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