Team England's young players found out what it's like to take on the best squad in the world when they faced hosts and holders China in Wuhan tonight on day one of the 2012 Citroen Thomas Cup Finals.

The Chinese, with Olympic and four-time world men's singles champion Lin Dan and four-times world men's doubles champions Fu Haifeng and Cai Yun, in their line-up proved too strong for Team England.

Five-times English National champion Rajiv Ouseph, ranked No. 19 in the world, was first into action against world No. 2 Lin Dan, the Yonex All England champion. The Middlesex man, who is in the world's top 20 went down 21-14 21-10 in a 36-minute contest Lin Dan dominated.

But in the first of three men's doubles Chris Adcock and Andy Ellis showed plenty of spirit against world No. 1s Cai and Fu, losing the first game 21-11 but making a real contest of the second by recovering from 19-15 down to draw level at 20-20 before being edged out 22-20 after 39 minutes.

Team England surrendered a winning lead when world No. 3 Chen Long toppled Ben Beckman 21-5 21-5 in the second singles before Chai Biao and Guo Zhendong, who are ranked No. 5 in the world, made it 4-0 with a 21-10 21-12 win against Chris Langridge and Peter Mills.

That left teenager Toby Penty to get his first taste of Thomas Cup Final action. The Surrey left-hander, who was awarded a wild card at last summer's Yonex BWF World Championships then won his first England cap at the European qualifiers for these world men's team championships, was up against Du Pengyu in the final rubber.

And he made the world No. 10 work for his win, taking the match 21-7 21-11 after 36 minutes, having held him up to 9-9 in the second game. Team England will take on Indonesia tomorrow in their other Group A contest.

Europe's gigant Denmark started its medal campaign with a comfortable 5-0 victory over South-Africa. The Dutch girls created a surprising upset as Yao Jie and Co. beat Chinese Taipei 3-2 after being behind 0-2.  

For today’s results at the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals see www.tournamentsoftware.com

Article by William Kings, Photo (live) by BadmintonPhoto