26 September - 03 October 2021 The live-streaming of TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup group-stage draw is already over and here's the result : Top-seed and title-holder China is drawn into challenging group as Thailand (despite their forefront player Ratchanok Intanon will not take part SC) & India can't be underestimated and could deliver some troubles to 11 times winner. Meanwhile its closest rival Japan has modest draw, Malaysia is their main threat to seek group winner position. Other potential candidates Indonesia, Denmark, Chinese Taipei and Korea should progress into knock-out phase. KNOCK-OUT DRAW will be unveiled on 30 September 2021.
The complete schedule has been released : https://extranet.bwfbadminton.com/docs/events/3966/docs/Sudirman Cup 2021 - Schedule of Play _F_ - Final.pdf *Nomination of players deadline is 13 September 2021
Kamura Sonoda retires? They are barely making any marks on the international tournaments It's kinda getting (even more) boring in the MD now
Sometimes, it's not about whether you make marks or not. It's about having the quality to at least be a worthy opponent to make matches that much more exciting for spectators. Granted, they didn't win anything too noteworthy but their presence made the circuit more competitive. It's even more saddening that Endo retired as well. I would have wished for them to at least pull through this season (is it even a season? lol) and then retire. I suspect the lack of tournaments was a big factor in their decision. When you're getting old with other priorities bearing down on you while dealing with the lack of competition, it's hard to maintain motivation I guess.
Several teams have named their Sudirman Cup based on tournamentsoftware update : https://bwf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/teams.aspx?id=1BD7E5BD-0C17-496D-B17F-F60CD04626C0 JAPAN INDONESIA THAILAND
Just now reading Kamura's farewell speech on his Twitter account, it looks as though he actually wanted to continue. However, as an MD player, it is a decision that cannot be made alone.
Seemed that Russia has withdrawn from the Sudirman Cup. There is no official statement but if you look at tournamentsoftware ... I don't know the reason why they did that , but it's a kind of bad sportmanship to withdraw so late. So no other team can be invited and take over the place.
I don't know how the rules is but probably they could seek some replacement from the European country like Netherland or France
Regeneration process plus there's rumor he'll retire soon. Not only Chen Long but Li/Liu also Zheng/Huang name also absent from CHN Sudirman Cup 2021 squad.
They are also not playing the Denmark Open , so I think they will also miss the Thomas/Uber Cup in Denmark.
