China Defends World Junior Badminton Team Title, Defeating Malaysia

Dragon Media News Desk

China defended its title at the BWF World Junior Team Championships, defeating Malaysia 2–1 in Saturday’s final in Cairo to lift the Suhandinata Cup.

China won the opening game 55–46 before Malaysia took the second 55–53 to level the contest. China clinched the deciding game 55–45.

China fought back from 43–50 down in the second game to tie the score at 52–52, but Malaysia won the final point to force a decider. China built an early lead in the third game through the women’s and men’s singles. Malaysia mounted a challenge in the women’s doubles, but China held on to secure the victory.

China’s coach Guo Zhendong credited the team’s balanced strength across all five disciplines and the players’ composure under pressure. He said the experience of handling close contests would benefit the players in the future.

Eighteen-year-old Chinese player Feng Yilang said he had felt nervous in the opening games but grew more confident in the decider. His teammate Wei Yueyue, who also is 18, said team unity was key to the victory. Malaysia team manager Vincent Chin praised his players’ efforts and said they would now aim for gold in the individual event.

Thailand and Indonesia shared the bronze medals after losing their semifinals to China and Malaysia, respectively. The individual championships begin in Cairo on Monday.