Badminton-China, South Korea make winning start to Sudirman Cup campaign

XIAMEN, China, April 27 (Reuters) - Defending champions China began their quest for a record-extending 14th Sudirman Cup title in commanding fashion by storming past Algeria 5-0 while South Korea also got off to a blazing start after thumping Czech Republic 4-1 on Sunday.

Former winners Indonesia thrashed England 5-0 in Group D while Denmark beat India 4-1 in the same group in the evening session in Xiamen.

China showed no mercy, winning all their matches in straight games.

China were given the advantage by Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin after the pair won their mixed doubles match 21-11 21-13, followed by women's world number two Wang Zhiyi dismantling Halla Bouksani 21-5 21-3 in the singles.

Men's top-ranked player Shi Yuqi then clinched the tie for China with a 21-12 21-9 win in the men's singles.

Thailand were also impressive in Group A as they crushed Hong Kong 5-0 and gave themselves a good chance to finish inside the top two and qualify for the quarter-finals of the April 27-May 4 tournament in China's southeast coast.

Olympic silver medallist Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who was crowned Asian champion last month, put the tie out of reach when he came from behind to beat Angus Ng 16-21 21-10 21-11 in the singles rubber.

"I felt sleepy because we had to play in the morning," he said.

"It was a good match. In the first game I couldn't focus and in the second and third I had to change my performance."

In Group B, Sim Yu-jin put four-times winners South Korea ahead after winning her singles match 21-15 21-10 against Tereza Svabikova, and while Jan Louda beat Cho Geon-yeop 21-16 21-16 in the men's singles match to bring the Czech on level terms, the South Koreans won their next three matches to seal the tie.

South Korea's Group B rivals, Taiwan, were equally dominant, beating Canada 4-1 in the biennial mixed team competition.

Jan Louda was the only Czech player to claim a point after he beat Cho Geon-yeop 21-16 21-16.

"I feel very good. It's not easy against Korea and Asian teams. So I'm happy to get the first point for my team in the Sudirman Cup," said Louda, who had been nursing a back injury that saw him miss several tournaments.

Taiwan won thanks to strong displays from their doubles teams, ensuring Chiu Pin-Chian's 21-10 21-16 loss to Michelle Li in the women's singles was the only blip.