China reaches Uber Cup semis

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion China demolished India, 3-0, to advance to the semifinals and stay on track of its bid for a 12th Uber Cup crown in the Thomas & Uber Cup Badminton Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Wednesday.

The Chinese, fancied to retain the Cup they have won since 1984, except in 1994 and 1996 when Indonesia were champions, showed their class once again as Wang Yihan battled back from a set down to beat Saina Nehwal, 14-21, 21-11, 21-18, in the first singles.

Ma Jin-Wang Xiaoli then strolled past Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa, 21-8, 21-11, in the first doubles before Wang Xin demolished Sayali Gokhale, 21-10, 21-14, in the second singles to complete the rout.

China’s chief coach Li Yongbo confidently predicted that they have the team to go all the way to the final.

In the semis, China will take on Indonesia in a repeat of the 2008 final which the Chinese won, 3-0. In the second semifinals dark horse Korea will take on Japan.

South Korea proved too strong for Russia and won, 3-1, while Japan stopped Denmark via the same margin.

“I have faith in my players and I know they will deliver. I knew Wang Yihan would get some resistance from Saina. But it was smooth sailing for the rest of my players. 

“We have beaten the Indonesians before and there should not be any problem in facing them again for a place in the final. However, we are not underrating any player,” said Li.