China

China beat S Korea to enter final in Sudirman Cup

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-28 21:27

QINGDAO - Hot favourite China proved their supremacy again at Sudirman Cup as they beat South Korea 3-1 to enter into final for the ninth consecutive times here on Saturday.

It was South Korea that demolished China's dream to crown Sudirman Cup five times in a row in 2003 and clinched their first ever Uber Cup team title by dethroning China last year, all of which put this time's clash into a much-talked competition.

Last time in Guangzhou, China made a clean sweep over South Korea in final, but this time, the host encountered a tough challenge at the very beginning.

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Xu Chen/Ma Jin clinched a hard-fought victory over Ko Sung Hyun/Ha Jung Eun 21-23 21-14 24-22. In the third game, its seemed that China on the verge of losing the first match when Xu/Ma lagged behind 15-19, however, the newly-paired fought back by taking four points in a row. Though the South Korean pair restored their lead to 20-18, Xu/Ma continued their momentum by saving two match points and finally concluded the match 24-22.

"It is thrilling to come from behind. We had a better start but later on we were a bit nervous, anyway, we secured the first point for China," said Xu.

Olympic and three-time world champion Lin Dan extended the lead by sailing past Park Sung Hwan 21-16,21-10. Despite South Korea pulled one points back as Jung Jae Sung/Lee Yong Dae overcame Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng 19-21, 21-16, 21-14, world No. 1 Wang Shixian, who conceded China's first set at the opener against Germany, withstood with the pressure and sealed the victory by defeating Bae Youn Joo 21-15, 21-12 in women's singles.

"Back onto the court, confidence and patience are key for victory," said Wang, who was replaced by her teammate Wang Xin in China's second and third matches in these championships.

"Comparing with my last match, I was more patient," added Wang.

China will face the winner of Denmark and Indonesia in the final on Sunday.