Guys, in the incidence of 3 way tie, the total no of matches come into play to select a winner, followed by the winner between the next 2 teams. Eg, MAS and ENG both win next match (not likely for MAS), CHN will still be group champs based on matches won (no way in hell will CHN lose 5-0), ENG will accompany CHN as they had beaten MAS, irrespective if MAS had a better win-loss match ratio than ENG. If MAS and ENG both lose (not likely for ENG), then the 2nd place winner will depend on the match win-loss ratio alone. In this case, ENG are not likely to qualify (their best win-loss ratio will be 5-10, assuming they lose 2-3) In which case THA need to blank ENG 5-0 to have a ghost of a chance, and MAS have to lose to CHN by 1-4 margin or more. Any other scoreline will let MAS through. In the other group, I can say that INA should be safely through, a 3-2 win over HK is all they need. However the outcome of whether they can avoid CHN is not in their hands anymore. Things are tougher for DEN, they must force a 4-1 victory over KOR to accompany INA. Any less and KOR qualify as group champions with INA in 2nd place.
Let me try to summarise it: (1) CHN & KOR are at the top of the tables and have secured themselves into SF. (2) In case of a tie in # of plays won, # of matches won/lost ratio will determine who advances. Again, in case of a tie in # of matches won/lost, # of games won/lost ratio will decide who advances. Further, in case of a tie in # of games won/lost, # of points won/lost will determine who advances.
Robin7, please go to the day 3 thread to see the official rules which was posted by Dmitry. There is a head to head factor which you did not take into acount in your explanation. http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44675
That's exactly what I'm trying to explain. Plus, ENG is ahead of MAS in terms of ranking because ENG beat MAS. I guess this is what you called "Head to head factor".