Center Parcs – supported Team England will face Sri Lanka and, 7 times champions, China in the first group stage of the Yonex BWF World Junior Championships Mixed Team event later this month in Japan following the official draw in Kuala Lumpar.

With 30 competing nations, including tournament first timers from Belgium and Uzbekistan, a tough draw was expected for England’s 8-strong squad of young guns as they seek to improve on the 14th place finished enjoyed last season.

Team England avoided defending champions Malaysia and top seeds, and hosts, Japan in the draw but in order to top group Z1 and progress to the knock out stages, they will need to topple the Chinese badminton juggernaut that has dominated the junior team event on the world stage.

China have won the coveted Sudandinata Cup on 7 occasions in 9 years whilst showcasing global stars such as Chen Long, Chen Jin, Xie Xingfang, Wang Yihan, Bao Chunlai, Gao Ling and Yu Yang. However, they did not compete for honours last year in Taipei and will be back in the reckoning in Japan as 2nd seeds.

With Denmark deciding not to compete in the Mixed Team Championships, Team England , seeded 10th, will carry the highest ranked European threat into team competition alongside France, Germany and Holland.

The Mixed Team Championships will take place in Chiba, Japan, from 25 October to 3 November in which each tie will feature five fixtures between opposing teams: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.