BEIJING, May 5 -- South Korea admitted it threw its Thomas Cup match against England yesterday as the elite tournament plunged into controversy.
The Koreans, who have emerged as a powerful force in men's badminton, lost 1-4 after fielding a weakened team, with Asian champion Park Sung-hwan and Korean Open winner Lee Hyun-il playing doubles together instead of singles.
Team manager Kim Jong-soo said its tactics was to avoid winning its group to ensure a more favorable quarterfinal draw.
"We formulated a strategy before we arrived where we want to meet Denmark in the quarterfinals, and that means not finishing top of the group," Kim admitted.
"The Badminton World Federation (BWF) created these rules, but I'd much prefer having the two top automatically qualify for the quarterfinals."
The Thomas and Uber Cup tournaments are structured so that the top finisher in each three-team group receive a bye to the quarterfinals, while the other two play an elimination game to make the last eight.
If Korea finishes top of its group it faces the prospect of meeting defending champion China in the semifinals. Finishing second or third and playing the elimination game ensures an easier route to the final.
Dutch head coach Martijn van Dooremalen said the system was to blame. "I don't think it is in the spirit of the game but the way the system is, you can use tactics to come second or third and avoid the bigger name teams," he said.
"It's a shame the championships have to be played like this."
The BWF was not immediately available for comment.
The controversy overshadowed Japan racing to a 5-0 Thomas Cup victory over New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong got underway in the parallel women's Uber Cup with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over South Africa. Asian Games silver medalist Yip Pui Yin led the way, beating Kerry-Lee Harrington in the opening singles 21-6, 21-7.
Wins for Mong Kwan Yi and Ng Ka Shun made it 3-0.
The Netherlands beat Japan 3-2.
(Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)
