But Kim Hak-Kyun is much more upbeat about China's men being toppled in the Thomas Cup, tipping hosts Indonesia to lift the sport's most coveted trophy on May 18.

‘We are not scared of anyone and will fight to win every point, but in the Uber Cup China's women are much too strong for any team here,’ he said after watching Korea crush South Africa 5-0 in their opening tie.

China have won the Uber Cup 10 times and are aiming for their sixth consecutive crown.

With a team boasting world number one Xie Xingfang, world champion Zhu Lin and All England runner-up Lu Lan in the singles, few are tipping anything but a Chinese victory, with Japan and South Korea seen as the closest challengers.

The Thomas Cup is more open, said Kim.

‘I believe there are four teams who can beat China -- Korea, Malaysia, Denmark and Indonesia. They all have players capable of winning this tournament,’ he said.

‘But, given the home crowd, you would have to see Indonesia as having the best chance.’

Only three nations have ever won the Thomas Cup since its inception in 1948 -- China, Indonesia and Malaysia. China, led by world number one Lin Dan, are aiming for a third consecutive title.

South Korea find themselves in with a shout after recently emerging as a powerful force, especially in singles.

Park Sung-Hwan won the Asian Championship this year while Lee Hyun-Il proved himself on the big stage with victory at the Korean Open, beating Lin in the final.