Hosts China, Indonesia into semis of Sudirman Cup

China's Xie Xingfang returns the shuttlecock during a match against Yip Pui Yin from China's Hong Kong at the 2005 World Mixed Team Badminton Championships for the Sudirman Cup held in Beijing, China, May 11, 2005. Xie won the match 11-2, 11-0.

Hosts China and Indonesia both hammered their Group 1B rivals at the badminton Sudirman Cup on Wednesday to fill in the remaining two spots in the semifinals.

The two traditional powerhouses left no chance for their opponents to produce surprise. Hosts whitewashed Chinese Hong Kong 5-0 and Indonesia beat Group minnows Sweden 4-1.

Both sides keep unbeaten with two matches played, and have movedinto the semifinals with one group tie yet to go. The other two teams in Group 1B went with two defeats and have been eliminated.

Earlier in the afternoon, South Korea and Denmark of Group 1A booked the first two semi berths after defeating England and Thailand respectively.

China is to meet Indonesia and South Korea will clash with Denmark on Wednesday for the group top places.

Source: Xinhua