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World No.1 Wang Shixian out of badminton worlds

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China's Wang Shixian competes during her quarterfinal women's singles match against Cheng Shao Chieh of Chinese Taipei in 2011's Badminton World Championships at Wembley Arena, London, Britain, Aug. 12, 2011. Wang lost 0-2.

LONDON, Aug. 12 -- The women's singles world No.1 Wang Shixian from China was knocked out of the Badminton World Championships by Chinese Taipei player Cheng Shao Chieh on Friday in the quarterfinals.

The Asian Games champion Wang couldn't find her rhythm while against the seventh seed, losing the match 16-21, 17-21.

"I just couldn't play my own game while facing her," said Wang who also lost to Cheng in their most recent clash at Indonesia Open in June. "But I felt I played better than last time. I hope I could take the victory when we meet again."

Wang, 21, failed to repeat a semifinal finish of last year's World Championships while the 25-year-old Cheng managed to reach the same stage as she did at the 2005 World Championships.

"I did that once when I was young, I'm old now," Cheng joked. "I have never thought about the result, I'm just relaxed and enjoy badminton."

"I think Wang and other Chinese girls shoulder more pressures, but I have nothing to lose," said Cheng, who will meet the winner between Germany's ninth seed Juliane Schenk and Dane veteran Tine Baun.

(Xinhua)

China's badminton star, Lin Dan, gets ready to shave during a Gillette press conference in Beijing. As one of the nation's most popular sports figures, Lin is a big attraction for different commercials.

BEIJING - The handsome face and muscular figure of Lin Dan make him an ideal candidate for the big screen.

However, the Chinese badminton superstar says any speculation about a career in the entertainment industry will have to wait until his on-court career ends.

"Right now, I'm just focused on the 2012 Olympic Games. I will not think about the possibility (of acting) as long as I'm still able to play the sport," said 27-year-old Lin during a press conference on Sunday organized by razor brand Gillette.

The reigning Olympic and world champion is determined to hold on until the 2012 London Olympics, even though he achieved a grand slam by winning the Asian Games in Guangzhou.

"I will try my best and hold on to play at the 2012 Olympic Games," said Lin, who won the MVP Award at the Asian Games thanks to his men's singles title and his overwhelming popularity with fans and the media.

"I know it will be a tough two years. I know rising stars and old foes will come up and pose bigger threats during my preparation. But I'm ready to accept the challenge," 'Super Dan' said.

The Asiad title was the only major crown missing from Lin's glittering resume, which includes one Olympic title and three consecutive world crowns.

He said the pressure going into the Asiad was even greater than that at the 2008 Beijing Games.

"I know lots of people expected me to pick up the title. There was big pressure on me," said Lin, who was upset by Malaysia's Hidayat Taufik in the Doha final four years ago. "So when I did it, I felt more excited than when I won the Olympic title."

(China Daily)

PARIS, Aug. 27 -- Three-time world champion Lin Dan of China was stunned by South Korea's Park Sung Hwan in the men's singles quarterfinals at the Badminton World Championships here on Friday.

The 13th seed Park upset Olympic champion Lin 21-13, 21-13, leaving Lin in his first failure at the World Championships since 2006.

"He played very well but my performance was below par," said Lin. "I made many mistakes during the match. Maybe I was not patient enough."

Park, 25, lost twice at the men's team event Thomas Cup finals this May, but dominated the encounter firmly on Friday. He had never render the lead to Lin after 2-2 tie in the opening set, then dropped the third seed behind comfortably after the 8-8 tie in the second set.

"I didn't felt regret, because I have never anticipated to clinch a four consecutive win at the World Championships," said the long-time top shuttler in China. "I just want to play well in every match."

Park is going to face Taufik Hidayatat from Indonesia as the former Olympic and world champion edged out World No.1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia 21-15, 11-21 and 21-12.

(Xinhua)

Hyo Jung Lee (R) and Min Jung Kim of South Korea celebrate after their women's doubles match against China's Ma Jin and Wang Xiaoli in the finals of the Uber Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 15, 2010. Lee and Kim won the match 2-1(18-21, 21-12, 21-15).

Seung Hee Bae of South Korea receives congratulations after her women's singles match against China's Wang Yihan in the finals of the Uber Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 15, 2010. Seung Hee Bae won the match 2-0 (21-23, 11-21).

Hyo Jung Lee(L1) and Min Jung Kim of South Korea celebrate after their women's doubles match against China's Ma Jin and Wang Xiaoli in the finals of the Uber Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 15, 2010. Lee and Kim won the match 2-1(18-21, 21-12, 21-15).

Hyo Jung Lee (L) and Min Jung Kim of South Korea celebrate after their women's doubles match against China's Ma Jin and Wang Xiaoli in the finals of the Uber Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 15, 2010. Lee and Kim won the match 2-1(18-21, 21-12, 21-15).

China's Yu Yang(top)/Du Jing compete during the women's doubles match against South Korea's Kyung Won Lee/Jung Eun Ha in the finals of the Uber Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 15, 2010. China lost 1-3 and won the silver medal of the event.

South Korea team poses for photos on the awarding podium with the champion trophy after defeating China in the finals of the Uber Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 15, 2010. South Korea won 3-1 and claimed the title.

South Korea team celebrates on the awarding podium with the champion trophy after defeating China in the finals of the Uber Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 15, 2010. South Korea won 3-1 and claimed the title.

South Korea's Kyung Won Lee/Jung Eun Ha compete during the women's doubles match against China's Yu Yang/Du Jing in the finals of the Uber Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 15, 2010. South Korea won 3-1 and claimed the title.

China's Yu Yang(back)/Du Jing compete during the women's doubles match against South Korea's Kyung Won Lee/Jung Eun Ha in the finals of the Uber Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 15, 2010. China lost 1-3 and won the silver medal of the event.
(Xinhua)

Zhang Nan (2nd R) and Zhao Yunlei of China celebrate on the podium after the mixed doubles final of 2010 All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, Britain, March 14, 2010. Zhang and Zhao defeated Nova Widianto and Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia by 2-1.

BIRMINGHAM, March 14 -- Chinese pair Zhang Nan/Zhao Yuneli defeated Olympic runners-up Nova Widianto/Liliyana Natsir from Indonesia to clinch the title of mixed doubles at the 100th All England Open Badminton Championships here on Sunday.

All England Open debutants Zhang and Zhao fought through the qualification with two wins and astonishingly defeated two time world champions Widianto and Natsir in a tough final.

"This is the second time that we paired up to compete and every match was tough," said the 23-year-old Zhao, who also reached the women's doubles final with partner Cheng Shu. "We got nothing to lose. Actually, we were less skilful than our experienced rivals in the final, but we kept good mentality and has never given up whenever we were behind."

Zhang and Zhao trailed behind since 3:3 but managed to equal their seasoned rivals in 18-18. Then the new pair grabbed three points in a row , winning the first game in 21-18.

In the second game, the Chinese duo came from 10-5 behind to 10-10, but failed to grabbed the victory as Widianto and Natsir took one game back in 25-23 after equalling for 11 times with Zhang and Zhao.

Zhang and Zhao still struggled in the first half of the deciding game but managed to beat their rivals in 21-18.

Zhang Nan (2nd R) and Zhao Yunlei of China celebrate after the mixed doubles final of 2010 All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, Britain, March 14, 2010. Zhang and Zhao defeated Nova Widianto and Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia by 2-1.

Zhang Nan (2nd R) and Zhao Yunlei(1st R) of China celebrate on the podium after the mixed doubles final of 2010 All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, Britain, March 14, 2010. Zhang and Zhao defeated Nova Widianto and Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia by 2-1.

Zhang Nan (1st R) and Zhao Yunlei of China celebrate after the mixed doubles final of 2010 All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, Britain, March 14, 2010. Zhang and Zhao defeated Nova Widianto and Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia by 2-1.
(Xinhua)

China's Lin Dan returns the shuttlecock to his teammate Chen Long during the men's singles second round match at the 2009 Badminton China Open Tournaments in Shanghai, east China, on Nov. 19, 2009. Lin Dan won 2-0.

China's Lin Dan saves the ball during the men's singles second round match against his teammate Chen Long at the 2009 Badminton China Open Tournaments in Shanghai, east China, on Nov. 19, 2009. Lin Dan won 2-0.

China's Lu Lan returns the shuttlecock to her teammate Wang Lin during the women's singles second round match at the 2009 Badminton China Open Tournaments in Shanghai, east China, on Nov. 19, 2009. Lu Lan won 2-0.

SHANGHAI, Nov. 19 -- Lu Lan from China beat her teammate Wang Lin at ease to advance to China Open Badminton quarterfinals here on Thursday.

World No. 3 Wang Lin seemed affected by injuries, and she lost the match without causing Lu much trouble.

The first set began with Lu's leading 7-2. Wang struggled to find her rhythm to give up her first set 12-21.

Wang tried to recover at the beginning of the second set, but Lu copied her performance, refusing to give Wang any chance to lead.

Wang made too many unforced errors afterwards, and Lu succeeded in securing her victory 21-10.

"I think I did my best today," Lu said. "I tried to follow my own rhythm and keep active through the match."

Wang didn't look disappointed after the loss. She said she was satisfied with her performance this season, expecting to keep moving ahead.
(Xinhua)

Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei(R) and Denmark's Peter Hoeg Gade display their trophies during the awarding ceremony after men's singles final match between them at Hong Kong open super series 2009 in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 15, 2009. Lee won 2-1, and claimed the title of the match.

HONG KONG, Nov. 15 -- Lee Chong Wei, top-ranked badminton player in the world grabbed the gold medal in his first tournament after a two-month break for injury here on Sunday in the men's single event of Hong Kong Open.

"I am very satisfied with the result," said Lee from Malaysia, adding "I just came back from injury, so I am very glad to win."

Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei celebrates the victory during men's singles final match against Denmark's Peter Hoeg Gade at Hong Kong open super series 2009 in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 15, 2009. Lee won 2-1, and claimed the title of the match.

Lee came from behind to set up an advantage of 9-4 in the third game and left no chance for Peter Gade to reverse, winning by 21-13,13-21 and 21-16.

"It's only a few points," said Gade, referring to the beginning of the third game. "I'm leading 3-0 and he's so lucky at the next three points. It's so important that he gets his confidence back."

"I played well in the second part, but it was too late, too big gap." He added.

However, the silver medal was already considered as "very important" for the Denish veteran.

"I showed that even next month I am 33 years old, I still can fight against these guys," He said, denying that any possibility of a retirement in the near future. "I have to keep on going and improve maybe just a few percent, then I will have chances of winning some of the big ones.

"When I looked at my game, when I looked into myself mentally, I didn't feel that I am too tired and no more left. I feel that I am still hungry for victories," he said.

China's Wang Yihan(R) and her compatriot Jiang Yanjiao display their trophies during awarding ceremony after their women's singles final match at Hong Kong open super series 2009 in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 15, 2009. Wang Yihan won 2-0, and claimed the title of the event. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)
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In the women's single final, World No. 1 Wang Yihan defeat Jiang Yanjiao with 21-13, 21-15 in an all-China match, grabbing her fifth Super Series title of the season, which equaled the record set by her compatriot Xie Xingfang.

"I just cannot catch up with her on court," said Jiang, adding that the former National Champion . "I had no chance. She was too fast."

The men's doubles title was taken by Jung Jae Sung/Lee Yong Dae from South Korea. The third-seeded pair lost the first game and trailed behind the opponents by five points in the second game before they burst out to win by 13-21, 21-15, 21-8.

China's Olympic Champion Du Jing/Yu Yang were upset by compatriots Ma Jin/Wang Xiaoli in the women's double final with 16-21, 21-19, 21-12 while Indonesia's Nova Widianto/Liliyana Natsir, the Olympic runners-up of the mixed-doubles, were toppled by Robert Mateusiak/Nadiezda Kostiuczyk from Poland with 22-20, 21-16.

Poland's Robert Mateusiak/Nadiezda Kostiuczyk(R) display their winner trophies during the awarding ceremony after mixed doubles final match against Indonisia's Nova Widianto/Liliyana Natsir at Hong Kong open super series 2009 in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 15, 2009. Robert Mateusiak/Nadiezda Kostiuczyk won 2-0, and claimed the title of the event.
(Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Wang Lin of Zhejiang province jubilates after the women's singles final of badminton against Wang Shixian of Jiangsu province at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 17, 2009. Wang won the match 2-1 and claimed the title of the event.

QINGDAO, East China, Oct. 17 -- Wang Lin from Zhejiang beat Jiangsu's Wang Shixian to win women's singles badminton title at the 11th Chinese National Games here on Saturday.

World No. 1 Wang Lin lost the first game 21-16 but managed to turn around the situation to win in the second at 21-18. In the decider, The 21-year-old Wang led all the way and never looked back to secure a comfortable win at 21-11.

Wang Lin, who topped the world ranking since last month, revenged on Wang Shixian as the former lost to the latter in China Masters final in September.

"It's really hard to win the final at last. Playing on national court is always harder than on international circuit," said Wang Lin.

"A National Games champion is far from enough as I need to be more mature especially mentally," added Wang Lin.

Wang Shixian said she lost the match mainly because she was too tired after continuous hard matches in both team and singles events.

"But I'm really satisfied with my performance as I clinched a silver medal in my maiden National Games trip," added the 19-year-old.
(Xinhua)

Xie Xingfang of Guangdong team returns the shuttlecock during the women's singles quarterfinal match against Wang Lin of Zhejiang team in the 11th Chinese National Games in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province, Oct. 15, 2009. Xie lost the match 0-2.

QINGDAO, East China, Oct. 15 -- Beijing Olympic silver medalist Xie Xingfang finished her women's singles trip in the National Games badminton tournament after conceding to world No. 1 Wang Lin in the quarterfinals here on Thursday.

Xie, who plays for south China's Guangdong, lost to Wang from Zhejiang 21-15, 21-16.

Xie, 29, might retire after the National Games and take up college studies.

Xie won the silver medal in the Beijing Olympics after losing to compatriot Zhang Ning in the final. She was also a twice world champion in 2006 and 2007.
(Xinhua)

China's Ma and Wang win women's doubles at Yonex Open

China's Ma Jin (R) and Wang Xiaoli pose for pictures during the women's doubles awarding ceremony at Yonex Open Japan 2009 badminton tournament in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 27, 2009. Ma and Wang defeat Japan's Miyuki Maeda/Satoko Suetsuna 2-0 and claimed the title of the event.

China's Ma Jin (R) and Wang Xiaoli react during the women's doubles awarding ceremony at Yonex Open Japan 2009 badminton tournament in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 27, 2009. Ma and Wang defeat Japan's Miyuki Maeda/Satoko Suetsuna 2-0 and claimed the title of the event.

China's Ma Jin (L) and Wang Xiaoli react during the women's doubles final against Japan's Miyuki Maeda/Satoko Suetsuna at Yonex Open Japan 2009 badminton tournament in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 27, 2009. Ma and Wang won 2-0 and claimed the title of the event.

China's Ma Jin (R) and Wang Xiaoli compete during the women's doubles final against Japan's Miyuki Maeda/Satoko Suetsuna at Yonex Open Japan 2009 badminton tournament in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 27, 2009. Ma and Wang won 2-0 and claimed the title of the event.

(Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)

China's Bao, Wang crowned at badminton Japan Open

China's Bao Chunlai poses for photos during the men's singles awarding ceremony at Yonex Open Japan 2009 badminton tournament in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 27, 2009. Bao beat Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat 2-0 and claimed the title of the event.

TOKYO, Sept. 27 -- Asian champion Bao Chunlai and defending champion Wang Yihan collected both the men's and women's singles titles of the badminton Japan Open for China here on Sunday.

Unseeded Bao crashed Athens Olympic gold medallist Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia 21-15, 21-12 in the women's singles final after Wang Yihan eased past Chinese teammate Wang Xin 21-8, 21-9 for the women's singles crown.

"Today I played the very best of myself," said Bao, the runner-up here in 2004.

It was the 26-year-old's fourth title of the season, following victories in the German Open, the Asian championships and the Singapore Open.

"Without Lin Dan and Chen Jin here this week, I was alone with Chen Long and played against none teammates, which made me more comfortable," he added.

China's Bao Chunlai returns the shuttlecock to Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat during the men's singles final at Yonex Open Japan 2009 badminton tournament in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 27, 2009. Bao won the match 2-0 and claimed the title of the event.

Bao had previously eliminated third seed Peter Gade of Denmark and eighth seed Tien Minh Nguyen of Vietnam.

Wang Yihan has claimed her fifth title of the season here, after the All England, German Open, Swiss Open and Macau Open crowns.

"I'm very happy to win the title for a second year running," said the 21-year-old. "I think both of us played our very best, though we know each other very well."

China's Wang Yihan returns the shuttlecock during the women's singles final against her compatriot Wang Xin at Yonex Open Japan Super Series 2009 badminton tournament in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 27, 2009. Wang Yihan claimed the title by beating Wang Xin 2-0 (21-8, 21-9).

(Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)

Wang Shixian of China returns the shuttle during the women's singles final against her teammate Wang Lin at 2009 China Badminton Masters Super Series in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 20, 2009. Wang Shixian won 2-1 (21-14, 14-21, 21-14).

CHANGZHOU, Jiangsu Province, Sept. 20 -- Teenager Wang Shixian grabbed the women's singles title after a stunning win over world number two Wang Lin 21-14, 14-21, 21-14 in an all-Chinese final at the China Masters badminton Super Series hereon Sunday.

Wang Shixian, 19, continued to play the role of seed killer when she edged second seed Wang Lin in 58 minutes, nailing 33 net winners to Wang Lin's 18.

"I used the right strategy of going to the net and I also won some lucky points," said she, ranked 64th in the world.

Wang Shixian overcame newly crowned world champion Lu Lan, seeded fifth, 16-21, 21-11, 21-14 in the semifinal after beating All England champion and fourth seed Wang Yihan 21-18, 21-18.

Wang Shixian said a pressure-free state of mind helped a lot in her run for the championship.

Wang Lin of China returns the shuttle during the women's singles final against her teammate Wang Shixian at 2009 China Badminton Masters Super Series in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 20, 2009.

"Because some of the higher ranked players missed the tournament so I got the opportunity to compete here. So I did not have big goals and had no pressure," she said.

"I also think 'I am the youngest here so what I need to do is just try my best and see what happens'," she added.

Lu Lan, 22, Wang Yihan, 21 and Wang Lin, 20, are dubbed "small flowers" in the national first string team where Wang Shixian has yet to join.

"Of course I hope I can be selected into the top flight team. I will work harder as I am aware of the gap between those three and me," she said.

Beijing Olympics winners Du Jing and Yu Yang overcame teammates Cheng Shu and Zhao Yunlei 21-15, 21-15 to capture the women's doubles title.

Du and Yu led 11-8 to enter the technical timeout and never looked back in the opening set.

The two pairs changed leads in the second but Du and Yu again led 11-8 and quickly to extend their advantage to 15-8.

"This victory is such an encouragement for us because my injury stopped us from producing good performance after the Olympics," said Du, 25, who have been bothered by knee injury since their triumph in Beijing.

"I still have a long way to go to reach as good a form as in the Beijing Olympics last year," she added.

Du and Yu will compete in the Japan Open kicking off two days later.

"Hopefully we can win again in Japan," said Yu.

World champions Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng withdrew from the men's doubles final due to Cai's injury, surrendering the title to teammates Guo Zhendong and Xu Chen.

(Xinhua)

China's Du Jing and Yu Yang return the shuttle during the women's doubles final against their teammates Cheng Shu and Zhao Yunlei at the China Masters badminton super series in Changzhou, Sept. 20, 2009. Du and Yu won 21-15, 21-15.

CHANGZHOU, Jiangsu Province, Sept. 20 -- Beijing Olympics winners Du Jing and Yu Yang overcame teammates Cheng Shu and Zhao Yunlei 21-15, 21-15 to capture the women's doubles title at the China Masters badminton super series here on Sunday.

Du and Yu led 11-8 to enter the technical timeout and never looked back in the opening set.

The two pairs changed leads in the second but Du/Yu again led 11-8 and quickly to extend their edge to 15-8.

"This victory is such an encouragement for us because my injury stopped us from producing good performance after the Olympics," said Du, 25, who has been bothered by knee injury since their triumph in Beijing.

"I still have a long way to reach as good a form as in the Beijing Olympics last year," she added.

Cheng Shu(right) and Zhao Yunlei of China compete in the final of women's doubles against their compatriots Du Jing and Yu Yang at 2009 China Masters in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Sept. 20, 2009. Cheng Shu and Zhao Yunlei lost 0-2.

Du and Yu will compete in the Japan Open kicking off two days later.

"Hopefully we can win again in Japan," said Yu.

World champions Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng withdrew from the men's doubles final due to Cai's injury, surrendering the title to teammates Guo Zhendong and Xu Chen.
(Xinhua)

Tine Rasmussen of Denmark returns a shot during women's singles second round match against China's Wang Xin at 2009 China Masters in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Sept. 17, 2009. Rasmussen lost 1-2.

CHANGZHOU, Jiangsu Province, Sept. 17 -- Danish star Tine Rasmussen Thursday said she was on way back to top form after she was out of the China Masters badminton super series here.

Rasmussen was met with by far the biggest surprise of the tournament when the third seed surrendered to Chinese qualifier Wang Xin 21-17, 16-21, 14-21 in the second round. She was made sweat in the opening round, scraping through another Chinese qualifier Zhang Yuchun 12-21, 21-15, 21-13. In the second set, Rasmussen seemed to be losing stamina when her 24-year-old rival raced to a 11-4 lead before she saw the left-handed Wang pull off a 6-0 attacking surge in the decisive set.

"It was not a surprise for me because I am not at my highest level after my injury for five months," said the 29-year-old who captured the opening two Super Series titles and became runner up in All England this year before sidelined for five months due to injury.

Tine Rasmussen of Denmark returns a shot during women's singles second round match against China's Wang Xin at 2009 China Masters in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Sept. 17, 2009. Rasmussen lost 1-2.

She just came back in August's world championships in India.

"It is OK for me. I used this tournament as a way coming to my old level again," she added. "And I did not get to play many left-handers. I learnt from this match."
(Xinhua)

China's Lin Dan returns a shuttle during men's singles second round match against Hsieh Yu-hsin of Chinese Taipei at 2009 China Badminton Masters Super Series in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 17, 2009. Lin won 2-0.

CHANGZHOU, Jiangsu Province, Sept. 17 -- Olympic champion Lin Dan and world number one Lee Chong Wei moved one stepcloser to a meeting after they each booked a quarterfinal berth at the China Masters badminton super series here on Thursday.

Beijing Olympics and world champion Lin beat Hsien Yu Hsin of Chinese Taipei 21-15, 21-19 after Malaysian ace Lee Chong Wei sailed past Rajiv Ouseph of England 21-15, 21-8 in just 26 minutes.

Lee, Beijing Olympics runner-up, said he hoped to face Lin.

Malaysia' Lee Chong Wei competes during men's singles second round match against England's Rajiv Ouseph at 2009 China Masters in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Sept. 17, 2009. Lee won 2-0.

"I was doing well today and I wished I could carry on the form to go further in the top half," said the 27-year-old. "Hopefully Ican play Lin Dan in the semifinals."

In the mixed doubles, China captured seven of the eight spots in the third round.

As South Korea's top seed and Beijing Olympics winners Lee YongDae and Lee Hyo Jung pulled out of the event due to Lee's injury, Ko Sung Hyun/Ha Jung Eun became the sole non-Chinese pair in the third round after overcoming fellow South Koreans Shin Baek Cheol/Jang Ye Na 21-23, 21-11, 21-16. They next meet Beijing Games bronze medallists He Hanbin/Yu Yang.

In women's singles, world number one Zhou Mi from Hong Kong, China raced to win the second round 21-7, 21-17 over Japanese Shizuka Uchida but Hong Kong's Wang Chen retired due to knee injury, sending 19-year-old Malaysian Golden Grand Prix winner Wang Shixian into the third round.

Zhou Mi of Hong Kong, China returns the shuttle during women's singles second round match agasint Shizuka Uchida of Japan at 2009 China Badminton Masters Super Series in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 17, 2009. Zhou Mi won 2-0(21-7, 21-17).

China's Chen Zhiben(above) and Zhang Jinkang compete in their mixed doubles match against their compatriots Lu Kai and Bao Yixin at 2009 China Masters in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Sept. 17, 2009. Chen/Zhang won 2-0.

Park Sung Hwan of South Korea competes during men's singles second round match against Hu Yun of Hong Kong, China at 2009 China Masters in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Sept. 17, 2009. Park Sung Hwan won 2-0.
(Xinhua/Chen Qi)

Defending champion China roll into semifinals with Malaysia

GUANGZHOU, Southeast China, May 14 -- Six-time winner China blanked Indonesia 5-0 in their final group match at 11th Sudirman Cup world team badminton championship here on Thursday, while Malaysia marched to their first-ever semis.

Olympic silver medallists Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng won the men's doubles by a narrow margin, defeating newly-paired Hendra Setiawan/Mohanmmad Ahsan 21-10, 19-21, 21-12.

Cai Yun (L) and Fu Haifeng of China compete during the men's doubles competition against Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan of Indonesia at the 11th Sudirman Cup World Team Badminton Championship in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, May 14, 2009. Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng won the match 2-1.

Setiawan and Kido Markis beat Cai/Fu in the men's doubles final at last year's Beijing Olympics. "I don't know why coaches decided to rest Kido. But it was the coaches' decision and I just do as I was told to," said Setiawan.

"They played better than us and we had three had serves. Maybe we can beat them the next time," said Ahsan.

Cai admitted that the change of the pairing surprised him. "We prepared to play Kido/Setiawan," said Cai. "But anyway, we are so familiar with each other and it didn't affect us.

"We won the first set quite easily and we got a bit relaxed in the second set," he added.

Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng (front) of China compete during the men's doubles competition against Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan of Indonesia at the 11th Sudirman Cup World Team Badminton Championship in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, May 14, 2009.

Du Jing/Yu Yang crushed Poili Greysia/Nitya Krishinda Maheswari in the women's doubles 21-15, 21-13 before Zheng Bo/Ma Jin closed the match with a 22-20, 19-21 and 21-14 victory over over Devin Lahardi Fitriawan/Lita Nurlita in the mixed doubles.

"It is a good thing for players to have tough matches," said Li Yongbo, head-coach of Chinese national team. "Players will be more careful in the upcoming games."

Wong Mew Choo secured Malaysia the very important point for the ticket to their first Sudirman Cup semifinals in the history of the 20-year-old competition.

Things didn't start off well with the mixed pairing of Mohd Fairuzizuan Tazari/Wong Pei Tty succumbing to Thomas Laybourn/Kamilla Juhl.

Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan of Indonesia compete during the men's doubles competition against Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng of China at the 11th Sudirman Cup World Team Badminton Championship in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, May 14, 2009.

Lee Chong Wei evened the score with a straight set victory over Jan Jorgenhen who replaced Gade.

Lee is likely to face Lin "Super" Dan in the semifinals. "I'm not happy with my performance recently and it will be tough against Lin Dan," said Lee. "But this is a team event and we will try our best to win."

Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong had inspired performance in the men's doubles, winning 21-9, 21-14 over Lars Paaske/Jonas Rasmussen.

After leading 2-1, Wong Mew Choo came on the court to deliver the winning point.

"I am so happy that I could give my team the winning point. But it was not easy on the court. The pressure was on me. What if I failed and the tie would have gone into the very last match, putting the pressure on my teammates," said Wong.

"It was a relief when I scored the winning point and we can now look forward to playing China in the semis," she added.

Denmark had to do without women's world number one Tine Rasmussen, who missed the tournament with injury, and men's world number two Peter Gade, who was absent from the tie after a migraine that saw him sent to hospital.

Chief coach Finn Traerup-Hansen acknowledged he had had little luck.

"I have to be honest and I say it's not been our tournament at all," he said.

"We haven't had Tine and Peter of course, but at least one positive is that it gave some practice to the next generation."

India created history by breaking into the Group 2 for the first time after they trounced Bulgaria 3-0 in the promotion playoff.

Australia will be relegated to bottom Group 4 at the next Sudirman Cup after losing 3-1 to Sweden in a Group 3 playoff while Sweden retains its berth in Group 3 at the world mixed team championship in 2011.
(Xinhua)

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