Taiwan: Taiwan arrive at the Thomas Cup Finals 2026 in Forum Horsens, here, carrying something they have never quite had before, a momentum built from history. After reaching a maiden semi-final in Chengdu 2024 in China, veteran leader Chou Tien Chen believes the team are no longer just participants, but genuine competitors who can take another step forward as they set their sights to clinch their first Thomas Cup.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tien Chen expressed the team's aspirations, stating, "That's our goal (winning Thomas Cup). If you have one result, you want to pass that but we need to go step by step. So that's what we are working for," he said after the practice session, today. Taiwan, often seen as the dark horse of the tournament, is showing strong potential, particularly with the recent rise of world No. 8 Lin Chun-Yi.
The 36-year-old Tien Chen highlighted the team's blend of youth and experience, which has provided Chinese Taipei with a renewed balance and flexibility, especially in the doubles category, alongside growing confidence in their singles lineup. Last March, Chun-Yi made history by becoming the first-ever men's singles player from Taiwan to win the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships title in Birmingham.
In addition to Tien Chen and Chun-Yi, Taiwan is banking on two-time Olympic Games men's doubles gold medallist Wang Chi-Lin and his current partner Chiu Hsiang Chieh to secure crucial points. The team also boasts other talented players such as world No. 21 Chi Yu Jen and world No. 36 Lee Chia Hao, along with doubles pairs world No. 16 Lee Jhe-Huei-Yang Po-Hsuan and Liu Kuang Heng-Yang Po Huan (23rd).
Despite rising expectations, Tien Chen cautioned against underestimating the competition, especially from hosts Denmark, who are also in Group C, as well as other strong contenders like 14-time champions Indonesia, defending champions China, and five-time champions Malaysia. Taiwan is set to open their Group C campaign against Sweden on April 25, followed by matches against South Korea (April 27) and Denmark (April 29).
The Thomas Cup Finals 2026 will commence tomorrow and continue until May 3.