China conjure easy victory over England

Badminton

England were swept aside in just over 90 minutes by the defending Sudirman Cup holders, China, in the World Championships in Glasgow yesterday.

China won the mixed doubles, the men's singles and the women's singles to be assured of victory in the five-rubber meeting and then wrapped up the match 5-0.

It was all over when the world champion, Ye Zhao Ying, overwhelmed the English national women's singles champion, Julia Mann, for the loss of only two points in just 12 minutes. Ye, who also won the All-England title two months ago, was in devastating form. She was able to reach almost all of the Warwickshire woman's best shots and kept Mann under constant pressure with flicks and lifts to each corner.

Rashid Sidek, the Commonwealth champion and world No 1 from Malaysia, is a surprise absentee from the event after refusing to play for his country in the team event. Sidek wanted to only take part in the men's singles next week. He was turned down and when he still refused to play for the team, the Malaysians omitted him from the tournament.