Thomas & Uber Cup Badminton: Taiwan Men's Team Sweeps Sweden in Opening Match

### Central Message

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Jung-chen, Taipei, April 25) In the Thomas & Uber Cup badminton team tournament being held in Denmark, the Taiwan men's team today faced Sweden in their opening match. Led by 'badminton ace' Chou Tien-chen, and smoothly concluded by Lee Chia-hao, the team secured a resounding 5-0 victory, aiming for a consecutive medal.

The biennial Thomas & Uber Cup badminton team tournament saw the Taiwan men's team achieve a historic first-ever semi-final appearance in the previous edition, successfully winning a bronze medal. This time, the Taiwan men's team once again features its top talent, including 'badminton ace' Chou Tien-chen, ranked 6th in the world, and 'left-handed powerhouse' Lin Chun-yi, ranked 8th in the world. They are grouped with Sweden, Denmark, and South Korea, aiming to return to the podium for the second consecutive time.

In their opening group match against Sweden today, Taiwan's men's team sent 'badminton ace' Chou Tien-chen to take on the first singles point. Unexpectedly, he faced a tough battle against Gustav Bjorkler, ranked outside the world's top 100. Although he easily took the first game 21-11, he lost the second game 18-21 and even squandered a 4-point lead in the deciding third game. Fortunately, Chou Tien-chen stabilized his play at a critical moment and successfully secured the first point with a 21-19 victory.

The second doubles pair, 'Lin-Hsieh Combo' Wang Chi-lin and Chiu Hsiang-chieh, demonstrated excellent dominance, taking less than 30 minutes to win 21-17, 21-11. The third singles player, Chi Yu-jen, also showed strong control, winning 21-7, 21-11, helping the Taiwan men's team secure an early overall victory.

As group matches in the Thomas & Uber Cup must play all five points, the men's doubles pair 'Han-Liu Combo' Yang Po-han and Liu Kwang-heng followed up their momentum, also defeating their opponents in straight sets. Finally, with Lee Chia-hao smoothly concluding the match, the Taiwan men's team swept Sweden 5-0, starting their Thomas & Uber Cup campaign on a high note. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150425