China powers into Thomas Cup semis

JAKARTA: Defending champion China crushed Thailand as it powered into the Thomas Cup semifinals yesterday, temporarily putting aside concern for victims of the devastating earthquake back home.

China next faces Malaysia, which dismissed Japan in commanding fashion.

Host Indonesia made the last four of the women's Uber Cup, upsetting Hong Kong 3-0 in front of a vocal home crowd, and will next play Germany, which won its all-European blockbuster against Denmark by the same score.

World No 1 Lin Dan opened the tie for China with a 21-15, 21-14 drubbing of Boonsak Ponsana.

The doubles pairing of Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng proved a different class to Tesana Panvisavas and Nuttaphon Narkthong, winning 21-12, 21-17, before Bao Chunlai eased past Poompat Sapkulchananart 21-14, 21-11 to end Thai hopes.

Chinese team manager Li Yongbo said his squad been affected by the earthquake in Sichuan province that has claimed thousands of lives, but they kept their focus to beat Thailand.

"The whole team is very concerned and are determined to help out. They have all donated money and are watching what happens closely," he said, adding that at least three of the Chinese squad here are from Sichuan.

Li was keen to play down China's chances of grabbing a third straight title, saying Indonesia was the team to beat.

"It doesn't really matter who we play, we will always be prepared," he said. "But I think China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Denmark are all very equal at the moment. I'd say though that Indonesia is favorite because it has the home crowd support."

Later yesterday, the Chinese women's team edged the Netherlands 3-2 to book a place in the semifinals.

Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei, the world No 2 who will likely face Lin in the opening semifinal rubber on Friday, helped his team brush aside Japan 3-0, overcoming Shoji Sato 21-10, 21-16.

Koo Keat Kien and Choong Tan Fook made it 2-0 with victory over Shintaro Ikeda and Shuichi Sakamoto with Wong Choong Han sealing Japan's fate when he beat Kenichi Tago.

Japan was disappointed after a thrilling come-from-behind win against Denmark in the elimination round, but coach Park Joo Bong was content with what they had achieved.

"In the last few meetings, my players have demonstrated a lot of fighting spirit," he said.

Malaysia is in danger of being left behind by the world's major badminton powers unless the country can find a fresh pool of talent, the country's badminton chief has said.

Badminton Association of Malaysia president Nadzmi Salleh told local media that Olympic status meant more countries were producing top-quality players, as witnessed at the Thomas and Uber Cup finals being played in Indonesia.

"Badminton is gaining popularity worldwide and many countries are now taking notice since it became an Olympic sport," Nadzmi told the New Straits Times on Wednesday.

"From what I have seen in the Thomas Cup, countries like Japan, Denmark and South Korea are improving fast."

The men's Thomas Cup and Uber Cup for women are among the most prestigious tournaments in world badminton.

Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992 when the team tournament was held in Kuala Lumpur but appears unlikely to add to that triumph in Jakarta this week.

World No 2 Lee Chong Wei is the country's leading male singles player but there are no other Malaysians ranked in the top 10.

Nadzmi said most Malaysian players lacked the ability to think on their feet, unlike their rivals from other countries.

"I admire shuttlers from China, Japan and Denmark, who are able to analyze their game and rectify their mistakes on court," he said.

"We must ensure our players become more independent in that sense."

AFP/Agencies

(China Daily 05/15/2008 page23)