Beijing Showdown at China Smash
Sweden faced a tough afternoon at the China Smash in Beijing as Truls Möregårdh took on Japan’s Yukiya Uda in the round of 16. Uda, a 24-year-old world top-40 player ranked 33rd, delivered a performance that pushed Möregårdh to the edge. Möregårdh showed early intent, building a bright start and seizing an 8–3 lead in the first set. Yet the pace and precision of Uda gradually turned the match in the Japanese player’s favor, and the Swedish hopeful could not sustain the advantage as the rallies swung his way.
Möregårdhs fast start fades
In the opening stages, Möregårdh demonstrated aggressive shot-making, mixing sharp attacks with careful placement. The early surge suggested a statement win was within reach, but Uda quickly found his footing. His return game grew sharper, and his forehand began to find the corners with greater authority. The Swedish contender could not keep the initiative, and the first set slipped away as Uda’s consistency and speed started to dominate the exchanges.
Uda answers with blistering returns
What followed was a shift in momentum. Uda pressed from the back, unleashing blistering returns and a forehand that repeatedly pinned Möregårdh to the backcourt. The Japanese player converted those opportunities into decisive points, leveling the match and then taking the next two sets with a mix of speed, angle, and fearless shot selection. Möregårdh fought hard, but the relentless pressure proved too much on this day.
Impact on rankings and prize money
With the loss Möregårdh ends his run in Beijing without adding ranking points from China Smash and with a reduced share of the event’s prize money. The result dents the Swede’s momentum on the world tour as he recalibrates ahead of the next tournament, while Uda advances to the quarterfinals, eyeing further progress in the competition.
Sweden also felt the sting as Karlsson bows out
Earlier in the day Kristian Karlsson also exited in the round of 16, losing to Chinese talent Lin Shidong. The two results compound a challenging stretch for Swedish badminton at Beijing, underscoring the depth of global competition at the China Smash.
What comes next for the players
Möregårdh will regroup, recover, and prepare for the next swing on the tour, aiming to recapture form and climb the world rankings again. Uda, buoyed by his victory, moves forward to the quarterfinals where a deeper run is possible with his momentum already on display. The China Smash result illustrates how quickly a badminton match can turn, especially at a high-stakes event where every rally matters and every point can shape a season.
