Thomas and Uber Cup Draws: India handed a favourable draw to make it to the knockouts


Thomas and Uber Cup Draws: India handed a favourable draw to make it to the knockouts

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Credits: Facebook BWF Page

The news of draws of the Thomas and Uber Cup has brought cheer to badminton fans all over the world. In a situation where The BWF has had to cancel many World Tour events, this news comes as a glimmering hope of having some action international badminton, come October. After being rescheduled twice, the biennial Team events are scheduled to be held from 3rd to 11th October 2020 in Aarhus, Denmark. The draws for the prestigious Thomas and Uber Cups 2020 was held on 3 Aug 2020 at the BWF headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

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What are the Thomas and Uber Cup?

Thomas Cup and Uber Cup are the most prestigious men’s and women’s team competitions in Badminton. It is an international tournament organized by the sport’s world governing body, BWF. They are biennial events conducted together since 1984. The Thomas cup was first played in 1949. Sir George Alan Thomas, a successful English Badminton player of the 1900s came up with the idea of team championships. He was inspired by Davis Cup played in Tennis and World Cups of Football

The Uber Cup or the World Team Championships for women was first played in 1957. In 1950, British player Betty Uber came up with the idea of having a team event for women’s as well. The event has thus been named after her.

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The Draws

Thomas Cup Draws 2020
Thomas Cup Draws 2020
Uber  Cup draws 2020
Uber Cup Draws 2020

BWF Chief Operating Officer Stuart Borrie said: “We acknowledge the many disruptions this year to our calendar but we would like to assure you that the BWF continues to monitor the ongoing developments surrounding COVID-19 and to plan for a safe return to international badminton.”

“We trust everyone within the badminton community is keeping safe and well and preparing for the return to international competition.”

The top two teams of the groups after the league rounds qualify for the knockouts. In the 2018 edition, India had failed to reach the knockout stage in both Thomas and Uber Cups.

This year, India can look for a comfortable last 8 finish in the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup. In the Men’s team event, the tie with Denmark will be a crucial one and can be expected to have some really tight matches. By beating Germany and Algeria India can secure a spot in the knockouts.

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India has finished semi finalists in 2016 and 2014 in the Uber Cups. China is a strong team with extremely good doubles and singles players and poses a strong challenge to India. By beating France and Germany which is possible provided the best singles and doubles players will play, India can be top 2 in the Group stage. Thereby, India can secure a spot in the knockouts. Further on the knockouts are no doubt going to be unpredictable, spectacular badminton with each country fighting with every breath of their for every point to win the coveted Thomas and Uber Cups.

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