India have managed to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Sudirman Cup 2017, which is a feat in itself considering they were in one of the toughest groups. Indonesia and Denmark were the other two teams in the group. Denmark topped the group while India finished second, and will face China in the quarterfinals on Friday.
However, India had to wait till the final day of the group stages to learn about their fate. After India lost to Denmark 1-4, a stunning win over Indonesia kept their hopes alive.
Though Indonesia beat Denmark 3-2-- and with all teams winning one game each-- Denmark and India made the quarterfinals cut after winning more ties in the competition. This is the second time India have progressed to the quarterfinals of the Sudirman Cup.
India qualified last time in 2011 but lost to China in quarters.India will be looking to avenge the loss in 2017. But it is going to be a herculean task to get past ten-time champions.
India, after a comprehensive win against Indonesia, will be confident, but China, to be fair, are the best team in the competition. India will need all the players to step up to the plate to reach the semifinals.
India's PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth will take on China's Sun Yu and Chen Long in the singles competition. But the doubles match is going to be a tough ask.
However, the way Indian doubles players, especially Ashwini Ponnappa-- who plays in the both the women's doubles and the mixed doubles, have performed there is still hope for India. It will take a combined team effort and some aggressive shuttle to upset China.
India vs China quarterfinals schedule
- Date: Friday, 26 May
- Time: 12 pm local time (7:30 am IST)
- Venue: Carrara Sport and Leisure Centre in Gold Coast, Australia
- TV listings: India - Star Sports 2/HD
SCORES AND HIGHLIGHTS WILL BE UPDATED AFTER THE MATCH
