I think the 2 (if 2) will be India and Korea. Korea is very wary if its populations get infected, they are already losing more people than births everyday , even worst than Japan. Actually i think what is happening to Korea,Japan China is good for the world and climate change. India can be the next badminton powerhouse due to good demographics still.
For anyone interested, world tour commentator Steen S. Pedersen shares his views on all four groups in my two latest podcast episodes of "A Year On Tour With Vittinghus". Thomas Cup episode (25 mins): iTunes, Spotify, Podbean Uber Cup episode (22 mins): iTunes, Spotify, Podbean All episodes can be found on basically any podcast platform. Hope you'll find it interesting - and then let's cross our fingers the event can be played in a safe and fair manner for all.
Indonesia has the best team this time. Japan/China can split their best men's double to avoid Marcus/Kevin and let their second best MD face to Marcus/Kevin, in which they can hope a 1-1 draw instead of 2-0 when facing with Indonesia team. But the problem is Indonesia can do the same, Just split Marcus/Kevin and combine Kevin with one of two men of their third MD, the power of the second MD of Indonesia is still the same no matter who will combine with Kevin.
True, Indonesia has overall better TC's team this time. MS1 and MS2 are pretty strong. Their MDs are all almost equal in strength. But they need to make sure it will not come down to MS3 for decider, since SHR is very inexperienced. China has a glare weakness in MS, since SYQ as MS2 hasn't recovered his form, and LGZ is unreliable.Their MDs also weren't performing well lately. Japan team's pretty balanced, their MDs can beat anyone on a good day. MS is pretty much depended on Momota as their Ace. Denmark has a great lineup for MS, and the fact that Axelsen is MS2 makes it tricky for the oppositions. On the paper based on overall strength, INA, JPN, DEN, CHN.
That's why they're awarded as top-seed, very strong in doubles discipline. Japan may pose strong opponent plus host Denmark while title-holder China has limping squad against Indonesia, don't think their doubles squad could steal point, let alone Chen Long who has poor record against Ginting plus still-off-form Shi YQ post injury.
The rumour spreads widely through social media, the clue is two big countries. Meanwhile positive COVID-19 cases in Denmark spikes recently, still big question whether TUC 2020 will going well on October.
Viktor will play the second men's single is the problem to Japan team ^-^, he can avoid of Momota and bring a win for his team.
Fingers crossed, TUC will be able to run smoothly and safely. It's been far too long since we had our share of epic badminton matches.
Kevin/Yeremiah will be powerplay.. I wonder how good that combination can be! Japan vs Denmark is hard to guess but i think Denmark is stronger than China and you want to avoid the Home team in SemiFinal..their 3rd single should be Vittingus is better than 3rd single any country have, if it comes down to 5th match.
This is what all badminton fans wish but there's complexity to think about, latest report said the organizer (Badminton Denmark) still waits financial assistance from Danish government as TUC 2020 possibly will be staged behind closed doors or very limited spectators.
The Thomas and Uber Cup participants need no quarantine, the Danish government gives relaxations https://360badminton.com/news/the-t...tine-the-danish-government-gives-relaxations/
Thomas and Uber Cup get green light to resume in October Tuesday, 25 Aug 2020 By TAN MING WAI https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/ba...uber-cup-get-green-light-to-resume-in-october PETALING JAYA: The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals look set to go ahead in Aarhus, Denmark, from Oct 3-11 – at least for now – despite a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Europe in the past two weeks. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) have informed all member associations bound for the Finals that their entourage have been permitted to enter the country and are exempted from the 14-day quarantine requirement upon arrival. Denmark is part of the European Union (EU) that still ban travellers from countries other than EU member states and the United Kingdom, except with valid reasons. Nine countries, however, are exempted under “other open countries” including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia and Canada, who will all compete in Aarhus. ====================================== “Again, with all the uncertainties lately, we have to keep our fingers crossed.” The organisers felt the Finals should be staged in front of a bigger crowd and a more lively atmosphere. The Danish government is imposing restrictions on public gatherings, with a maximum of 500 people from May 10 until Sept 1. BWF and the host nation also appear to have conceded that they will have to hold these two prestigious team tournaments behind closed doors or with a limited number of spectators. ===================================== *At least an early positive sign but not 100% certain yet TUC will go as planned, all MA's still wait final confirmation that should be out next month to determine its status.
New schedule just announced. Six big tournaments in 9 weeks -- three in Denmark, and the other three in an Asian country (to be announced).
Kento is back but champs could be out of Thomas Cup Friday, 28 Aug 2020 By RAJES PAUL https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/ba...is-back-but-champs-could-be-out-of-thomas-cup PETALING JAYA: Japan will compete in the Thomas Cup Finals with world No. 1 singles player Kento Momota poised to make a grand return but defending champions China’s presence in Denmark is a big question mark. Japan’s head coach Park Joo-bong said their government had finally given the blessings for them to take part in the Finals in Aarhus from Oct 3-11. Japan, however, will only begin their centralised training for both the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup on Sept 1. Since the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to all badminton activities around the world, Japan’s players had only been training with their respective clubs. “At the moment, it’s all systems go for Japan. I can confirm that we will take part in the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals, ” said Joo-bong. “We are now getting approval from the clubs to release the players. Usually, we do not have to get permission from the clubs but because of the Covid-19, we have some processes to follow. “It should not be a problem. By Sept 1, we will begin our centralised training.” =============================================== While Japan are getting their preparations back on track, China may have to skip this year’s Finals if they fail to get a government exemption to travel. China have cancelled all sports events and have closed their border. China may not be the only team to miss the Finals. It is learnt that South Korea and Australia are also facing the same predicament and are waiting for their governments’ nod. The world body and hosts Denmark however, are bent on moving forward with the Finals and have made every arrangement to ensure the safety of the players while ensuring a successful Finals. _________ *If China skips TUC, their players will also miss two S750 events in Odense and affecting overall ranking point.
According to this news article TPE team will pull out from upcoming TUC 2020 also two S750 tours in Denmark as well : https://tw.appledaily.com/sports/20200901/66DCU4QQUNE57EKHH4QCDECZZ4/ Maybe @Justin L could translate it appropriately
