Holders China set up the mouthwatering prospect of a clash between Olympic champion Lin Dan and Malaysian world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei in the Sudirman Cup semi-finals after crushing Indonesia 5-0 to top Group B.
Hosts China, seeking a third successive title at the mixed team event, maintained their perfect record in the group stage after victories over Japan and England, although they faced a stiffer challenge from 2007 runners-up Indonesia.
Wang Yihan, winner of this year’s All England women’s title, had to come from behind after losing the first game to Maria Kristin Yulianti, Indonesia’s Olympic bronze medalist.
PHOTO: AFP
TOUGH IS GOOD
“Tough games like tonight are helpful for the young players ... It is no good to get to the semi-finals too easily,” China head coach Li Yongbo said.
The 21-year-old Wang, the world No. 8, is making her Sudirman Cup debut and has been chosen ahead of Olympic silver medalist and former world champion Xie Xingfang for all three matches.
“We have too many elite players, which is a headache for me,” coach Li told reporters.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT
A meeting between Lin and Lee is expected to be the highlight of today’s semi-finals when China take on Malaysia, who stunned Denmark to reach the last four for the first time.
In the other semi-final, Indonesia will take on South Korea, who were unbeaten in Group A against Malaysia, Denmark and Hong Kong.
In the Group 2 play-offs yesterday, Taiwan defeated Singapore 3-1.
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