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Momota stunned as China win Sudirman Cup with Japan whitewash

By The Assam Tribune

NANNING (CHINA), May 26: Shi Yuqi stunned world champion Kento Momota as hosts China whitewashed Japan for an 11th Sudirman Cup title on Sunday.

Japan have never won the badminton world mixed-team championship and their search goes on after they were well beaten 3-0 in the Chinese city of Nanning.

China�s dominant victory over the top seeds is an ominous indication of the depth they possess in their ranks with next summer�s Tokyo Olympics on the horizon.

Roared on by the home crowd, China went 1-0 up through their men�s doubles and then took a 2-0 lead after a captivating women�s singles match between Chen Yufei and Akane Yamaguchi.

Japan needed their talisman Momota to beat Shi in the men�s singles to keep the tie alive.

The world number one had defeated second-ranked Shi four times in five previous meetings, including last year�s world championship final.

It looked like more of the same when the 24-year-old Momota won the first game 21-15, but Shi suddenly found rhythm and his subdued Japanese rival faded spectacularly.

The 23-year-old Shi raced to the second game 21-5 and took that searing momentum into the decider, winning the third game � and with it the Sudirman Cup � 21-11. � AFP

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