JAKARTA: Lee Chong Wei upset world No 1 Lin Dan on Friday but it proved futile as defending champion China crept past Malaysia 3-2 and into the Thomas Cup final.

The odds were stacked against Malaysia, with China the dominant world force, boasting some of the best players in the world.

But the fans sensed an upset when world No 2 Chong Wei won the battle of the big guns against an out-of-sorts Lin in the first singles rubber.

Chong Wei rattled through the first set in just 15 minutes before sealing the temperamental Chinese star's fate 21-12, 21-14.

Order was restored by doubles world No 2 Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng who held their nerve against the spirited Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong to win 21-16, 21-17.

And the wheel spun in China's favor when world No 3 Bao Chunlai proved too good for Malaysian captain Wong Choong Hann who crashed 21-18, 21-7 to put the tie within reach.

But Malaysia's strong point is doubles and Muhammad Zakry Abdul Latif and Muhammad Fairuzizuan Muhammad Tazari forced the tie into a thrilling finale by beating Xie Zhongbo and Guo Zhendong.

With China's reputation at stake, Chen Jin stepped up to the mark to outgun Muhammad Hafiz Hashim and ensure it remained on track for a third straight title, with either Indonesia or South Korea awaiting the China team in Sunday's final.

"Whatever the score, as long as we are in the final I am happy," said China coach Li Yongbo, adding that Lin losing was always a possibility.

"If Lin had won then maybe the score would have been 3-0 but Chong Wei played very well so he deserved to win."

A relieved Bao said he was determined to win his match to keep his country's hopes alive.

"That was a very important win for us," he said of his game. "I felt I had to win the match and I succeeded in handling the pressure.

"He (Choong Haan) didn't play his best match and made some costly mistakes."

Despite Malaysia losing the tie, Chong Wei was ecstatic at beating his arch-rival Lin.

"This is my best ever win over Lin," he said.

"I always play better at team events for some reason, because I know my country's fortunes are at stake. I made very few mistakes and I didn't expect it to be so easy.

"I don't think Lin played his best, he made a lot of simple mistakes. It comes down to Lin being more nervous. He doesn't usually make those mistakes."

The record book favored Malaysia, with China unable to beat it at the Thomas Cup in three meetings since 1992.

In 1992, Malaysia won in he semis and went on to lift the trophy. It also won at the same stage in 1994 and 2002 in Jakarta and Guangzhou respectively.

But that was where Malaysia's luck ran out, with China winning the tournament in 2004 and 2006.

The women's Uber Cup final is held on Saturday as defending champion China chases a sixth consecutive crown with only host Indonesia standing in their way.

AFP

(China Daily 05/17/2008 page12)