Intro:

China blanked Germany 5-0 to win their opening match in the Sudirman Cup in Dongguan, China on Sunday (10th May).

Script:

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Lin Dan opened the singles contest for favourites China against Germany in their first round in the Sudirman Cup in Dongguan, China on Sunday.

Lin, the only player to have won consecutive men's singles gold medal at Olympics, made quick work of his opponent, Marc Zwiebler. Lin Dan won the first game 21-11 and then won the second with an identical score, 21-11, as Zwiebler hit a return long.

In the women's singles, world number one Li Xuerui overcame veteran Karin Schnaase, who is on a comeback trail, without breaking much sweat. Li won in straight games 21-17, 21-8.

China were 2-0 up after bagging both the singles matches.

In the mixed doubles, which was the opening match of the tie, Ma Jin and Xu Chen won the first game 21-16 against Michael Fuchs and Birgit Michels. The Chinese pairing were stretched in the second game, but they won 22-20 to make a winning start for China in the tie.

In the men's doubles, Chai Biao and Hong Wei hardly broke a sweat before Johannes Schoettler suffered an injury and had to pull out. Schoettler was paired with Michael Fuchs and were trailing 10-13 at that stage. Soon the players shook hands and the match was awarded to Chai and Hong.

In the final match of the tie, with China already leading 4-0, Tang Yuanting and Yu Yang were in complete command as they won in two straight games against Isabel Herttrich and Birgit Michels. The Chinese pair won 21-14, 21-14 to complete the rout.