As the 2020 Thomas & Uber Cup is about to come to an end on 17th October 2021. On Saturday, 16th October we witnessed the Women’s Team of Japan and China compete in the 2020 Uber Cup Final at the Ceres Arena in Aarhus, Denmark.
The 2020 Uber Cup Final saw defending champion Japan up against China – the most successful team in Uber Cup’s history with 14 Titles.
Journey to the 2020 Uber Cup Final
Both Japan and China finished at top of their respective groups – Group A and Group D with 3 Wins. Meanwhile, In the Quarter-finals – Japan defeated India 3-0; And China won 3-0 against Chinese Taipei.
Whereas in the Semi-finals, Japan won 3-1 against South Korea & China defeated Thailand 3-0.
2020 Uber Cup Final – Japan vs China – Line-up
Line Up and Order Of Play#UberCup2020 FINAL
JAPAN vs CHINA
Starts in 10 minutes
Who will win the 28th Uber Cup?
Prediction? pic.twitter.com/3mz5MVgOR4— Badminton Talk (@BadmintonTalk) October 16, 2021
China 3-1 Japan – Final
First Up is Women’s Singles, as Japan’s World No. 5 Akane Yamaguchi faced Tokyo Olympics Champion Chen Yufei of China, currently ranked 2nd. It’s the Japanese who clinched the match by two straight games 21-18, 21-10 in about forty-six minutes. Hence, Japan is in lead 1-0.
Next is the Women’s Doubles match which was just short of 2 Hour Mark by 3 minutes, as Japan’s new pairing of Yuki Fukushima/Mayu Matsumoto played against the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Silver Medal Winners Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan of China.
The encounter was a battle of experience as both pairs played excellently, showcasing amazing skills of both attack and defence. The 1st Game itself lasted for 46 minutes as the Chinese pair won it. Whereas, Japan won the 2nd Game. In the 3rd & final game, it was neck-to-neck till the final moment as they were 14-14 at one point – it then became a battle of stamina in the end. As throughout the whole match many long rallies were seen. But in the end, the Chinese pair won 29-27, 15-21, 21-18. With this China level 1-1.
Then the 2nd Women’s Singles is next, where 15th Ranked Sayaka Takahashi of Japan faced World No. 9 He Bingjiao of China. He Bingjiao won in two straight games 21-9, 21-18 in 44 minutes. The 1st Game was dominated by the Chinese player, whereas it came to know that Japan’s Sayaka Takahashi was struggling with a knee injury as the medical staff were called as a result her knee was strapped with tape. After which, Takahashi performed well in the 2nd Game and was leading at some point. However, He Bingjiao gave China a 2-1 lead.
The 2nd Women’s Doubles was played next, a thrilling match – was the last fixture as China won the Final 3-1. As the Chinese pair, Huang Dongping/Li Wenmei won in two straight games 24-22, 23-21 against Japan’s Misaki Matsutomo/Nami Matsuyama in about 1 Hour 3 Minutes. The Japanese were leading in the 2nd Game but levelled at 16-16. Then China’s Huang Dongping/Li Wenmei came back to clinch Championship Point. The match had the longest rally of 75 Shots.
As a result, the last Women’s Singles was not played as the tie was decided, with China winning 3-1 against Japan. Meanwhile, the 2020 Thomas Cup Final will be Indonesia vs China on Sunday, 17 October 2021.
Virtual Victory Ceremony and Prize Presentation#UberCup2020 Podium
🥇CHINA 🇨🇳
🥈JAPAN 🇯🇵
🥉KOREA 🇰🇷
🥉THAILANDCongratulations to all medalists!! pic.twitter.com/PQRYP19nr9
— Badminton Talk (@BadmintonTalk) October 16, 2021
