JAKARTA (16 August 2018) – While the top two seeds, China and hosts Indonesia head straight into the quarterfinals, reigning Asian Games men’s team champion, Korea will open their campaign against Thailand on Sunday. The other thrilling opening tie on the cards will be between third-seeded Japan and fifth seeded Malaysia.
For the record, the team competition of the Asian Games here is on a knock-out format which means teams cannot afford to slip up or risk an early exit. “It is an interesting draw with exciting matches from day one,” said Asian Games badminton Technical Delegate, Greg Kim, who is also the secretary general of Badminton Asia.
Chinese Taipei, who also had a first-round bye in the draw conducted today, will join China and Indonesia in the next round. Chinese Taipei, should they get past either Pakistan or Nepal next, are likely to face China in the semis. The Chinese, the No.1 seeds here and silver medallists at the last Asiad, will meet the winner of the Hong Kong China-Mongolia before the possible battle with Chinese Taipei.
At the lower half of the draw, Indonesia, seeded second and well within grasp of claiming the gold, will battle the winner of the Maldives-India clash. To remain on track to win the team title, the Indonesians must prevail in the semis against either Korea, Thailand, Malaysia or Japan.
PBSI Achmad Budiharto, secretary general of the PBSI, said he was pleased with the way the draw was conducted. “It was a very fair draw. For Indonesia through, we are in a tough half and it will be difficult in the semi-finals. We must face whomever we meet and give our best. We do have the advantage of playing at home.”
In the women’s draw, five teams – defending champs China, topseed Japan, Korea, India and Thailand – moved into the next round after they all received first round byes. Mongolia withdrew from the women’s team event.
The first round will see three battles involving hosts Indonesia vs Hong Kong China, Pakistan vs Chinese Taipei and Maldives vs Nepal.
Today's draw ceremony was only for the team competition. The individual draw will be carried out after the team finals on Aug 22.
