In a nail-biting encounter that showcased the intensity of top-level badminton, the Chinese men's team secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over India on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, to finish atop Group A at the Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark. The win ensures the defending champions march confidently into the quarterfinals, keeping their title aspirations firmly on track.
The drama unfolded early when Li Shifeng, stepping in for the rested top player Shi Yuqi, delivered a crucial performance. He weathered a challenging second game to defeat India's Lakshya Sen 21-19, 8-21, 21-12, giving China the initial momentum. The advantage was nearly doubled by the star doubles pair of Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, who endured a marathon battle against Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. After splitting games, the Chinese duo showed remarkable composure to save pressure points and clinch a thrilling 26-24 decider.
Just as the match appeared to be slipping away, India fought back. Ayush Shetty produced a stunning comeback against Weng Hongyang, winning 17-21, 21-13, 21-15 to inject fresh suspense into the tie. China's victory was sealed in the next match, however, as He Jiting and Ren Xiangyu delivered a controlled 21-17, 21-13 win over Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun. India's H.S. Prannoy earned a consolation victory in the final singles rubber, but the outcome was already decided, with China claiming first place in the group.
This result underscores the growing competitive rivalry in Asian badminton. While the team celebrated its progress, attention also turned to the women's Uber Cup. The quarterfinal draw conducted on the same day sets up a match between China and Malaysia. Other notable fixtures include host Denmark versus Indonesia, Japan facing Thailand, and the Chinese Taipei team taking on the Republic of Korea.
The Thomas Cup, badminton's prestigious men's team world championship, continues to be a stage where Asian nations demonstrate their sporting prowess. This year's tournament in Denmark highlights the region's depth and the thrilling contests that captivate fans from Asia and around the globe.
Reference(s):
China edges India 3-2 to top Group A at Thomas Cup ahead of last eight
cgtn.com
