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China find no match on way to badminton finals

(Xinhua/chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-11-15 14:34

China's Lin Dan returns a shot to Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat during the men's team semifinals at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Nov 14, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

GUANGZHOU - No one can match China's competitiveness as the defending champions rolled into both the men's and women's badminton finals at the Asian Games on Sunday.

The Chinese women's team opened their team title defense with a 3-0 win over South Korea to revenge their Uber Cup final loss in May.

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"I am very happy. We have done thorough preparation for this encounter, and the result turned out to be good," said head coach Li Yongbo, whose team booked a final berth and will take on Thailand who overcame Indonesia 3-1 in the other semifinal.

Current world number one Wang Xin eased past Bae Yeonju 21-17, 21-12 in the first singles before new pair Wang Xiaoli/Yu Yang got the better of Lee Kyungwon/Ha Jungeun, winning 21-12, 21-19 and Wang Shixian overcame Bae Seunghee 21-18, 18-21, 21-14.

"Wang Shixian's victory was not that easy as her teammates' but this was understandable since Bae Seunghee was a very strong opponent who defeated Wang Yihan at the Uber Cup final," said Li.

The enthusiastic spectators in Tianhe Stadium did not see too much rivalry between Olympic champion Lin Dan and former Olympic winner Taufik Hidayat as China overpowered Indonesia 3-0 in the men's team semifinals.

Lin walked away with the 21-13, 23-21 victory in 43 minutes before Beijing Olympic runners-up Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng overcame Beijing Games titlists Hendra Setiawan/Markis Kido 23-21, 14-21, 21-10.

Cai Yun said it felt like back in the Olympics.

"It felt like being in the Olympics. We had to motivate ourselves. At first we weren't in the mood and we were a little bit numb. But we got a little excited and we changed our strategy in the third game," said Cai.

Newly crowned world champion Chen Jin sealed the deal for the hosts, beating Simon Santoso 21-11, 21-15.

"China has the best players in the world and it was a difficult match. I tried my best," said Santoso.

In the other semifinal, South Korea did not give Thailand room to produce a second surprise, winning 3-1. Thailand on Saturday eliminated Malaysia which was spearheaded by world number one Lee Chong Wei.

Park Sunghwan eased past Boonsak Ponsana who said he was exhausted from beating Lee on Saturday.

"I am extremely tired today. What's more, my opponent is very tall and his hits are powerful," said Ponsana.

For Park, the tie against Thailand provided him with a chance to make up for his regrettable quarterfinal performance on Saturday when he lost to Kenichi Tago of Japan as the first singles.

"Compared with yesterday, I calmed myself down and just tried to play with a positive mindset, so I wouldn't stress myself out," he said.

The team's finals take place on Monday.