China handed tough Sudirman Cup draw as Malaysia and India lie in wait

China will have to overcome a tough challenge to emerge triumphant in the Sudirman Cup badminton tournament scheduled from May 19 to 26 in southern Chinese city of Nanning after being drawn in the same group as tough opponents Malaysia and India.

Malaysia, who were knocked out by South Korea in the quarter-finals of the tournament in 2015, aim for a breakthrough year following a great run in last month's All England Open, where they stormed into both the men's doubles and the mixed doubles semi-finals.

A rising India also harbor their ambition after the rapid emergence of a host of top badminton players, such as Olympic silver medalist PV Sindhu, former world No. 1 Saina Nehwal and K Srikanth, who is billed as the finest Indian player of the current generation.

India's PV Sindhu celebrates her victory during the Badminton World Championships in Nanjing, south China, August 3, 2018. /VCG Photo

As the host nation, ten-time champions China, who slumped to a shock defeat at the hands of South Korea in the 2017 Sudirman Cup final, will still be the favorites to top the group.

Defending champions South Korea have been drawn to face Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong of China, while top seeds Japan were handed a relatively comfortable path with Thailand and Russia lie in wait.

Indonesia, whose best outing was winning the inaugural tournament in 1989 as the hosts, have been paired with England and reigning European champions Denmark.