The BWF Total Sudirman Cup 2017 has come to an end in the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. While this may be the fifteenth edition of the world mixed team event there were a number of firsts for the Oceania region.
This is the first time the Sudirman Cup has been hosted in the Oceania region, not only that but this is the first time in the events 28 year history that the Sudirman Cup has been hosted outside of the Asia or European region. To complement the great display Gold Coast put on in hosting the event a record number of 6 countries from the Oceania region competed in the tournament. For 4 of these teams – Fiji, Guam, New Caledonia, and Tahiti this was their first experience playing in the Sudirman Cup or any event of this level. The Oceania line-up was completed by Australia and New Zealand.
Throughout the pool play stages there were numerous tussles between the countries to come out on top. A notable performance was between Fiji and Tahiti where the final score of 4-1 to Fiji didn’t reflect the long 3 game matches endured by the players.
Within the Oceania contingent Australia came out on top with some great performances. On their way to their highest placing in over 20 years Australia finished their campaign with a highly commendable 3-2 win over commonwealth opponent Canada. This is a tremendous step in the right direction towards the Commonwealth Games 2018 which will also be hosted in the same venue.
Finals Day saw a major upset as the underdog team of Korea, competing with a number of their teenage junior players lifted the Sudirman Cup high after defeating favourites China in a 3-2 Victory which saw the lead change back and forward throught the 5 matches.
Final Oceania Placings below:
Australia – 15th
New Zealand – 19th
Fiji – 23rd
Guam – 24th
New Caledonia – 26th
Tahiti – 27th
Photo Credit:BadmintonPhoto
