Recently, I happen to get a chance to see ex state and ex national players in action, which at where I stay, we have slim chances. There was a huge crowd. It was an invitation tounarment organised by one of our local badminton club. We were very excited. It was the final btw two states. The games was play in best of three. 1st game was won by team A.
We were praying that team B will win the 2nd game so we can have the chance to the 3rd game. Team A also won the 2nd game. Team B give walkover to team A in the 3rd games. We were disappointed. My view is that we were not just supporting the wining team, we support both the teams. Team B should have been sporting to cntinue to play the 3rd games nad if they show some skills we also would have cheer for them even though they lose. We went to there to watch their skills, They should have play the 3rd games.

Yes I agree with you for sportsmanship and for the spirit of the game, the third game should be played. I would blame the team manager who made such a decision or who allowed such decision to be made.

Having said that, it is also very much depending on the emotion and mental of the players who are to play in the third game, whether they are prepared to fight for their honour despite a dead course? Some players are and some are not.

I always like to use the analogy of marathon runners in such situation. There are many marathon runners who insist on finishing the race despite knowing that the race was over and the winners are declared. They could have easily give up and stop running but they conitnue and cross the finishing line, just for their personal pride, for the gamemanship and for their supporters.