Six-time Sudirman Cup winner China will meet South Korea in the final of the world mixed team championships after both sides overwhelmed their fellow Asian semi-finalists on Saturday.
The home side crushed Malaysia 3-0, while South Korea beat Indonesia 3-1.
Looking forward to Sunday's final, Chinese head coach Li Yongbo said both sides have a chance to win.
He Hanbin/Yu Yang trounced Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari/Wong Pei Tty 21-11, 21-14 in mixed doubles, putting the hosts 1-0 in front.
"The semifinals stage is quite different from group matches and we felt excited," said He.
"We are not familiar with Tazari and Wong, that's why we made mistakes in the beginning," said Yu.
Lin "Super" Dan ended his losing streak against Lee Chong Wei in team events as he took just 56 minutes to down the world No.1 21-16, 21-16.
Lee had previously beat Lin twice in the 2008 Thomas Cup and 2007 Sudirman Cup.
"The Sudirman Cup means more than a team event to me," said Lin. "I don't want to lose."
Olympic runners-up Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng secured China's berth in the final by edging out Koo Kean Keat/Tan Boon Heong 19-21, 21-15 and 23-21.
"Tonight's fierce battle made a good preparation for tomorrow's final," said Fu.
Maijol Mahap, Malaysia's team manager, was satisfied with their performance.
"Yes, we lost the semi but our players cooperated well and had a good spirit. We are proud to be in top four at Sudirman Cup," said Mahap. South Korean head coach Kim Jung-Soo said Hwang
Hye-Youn's 23-21, 21-19 win over Maria Kristin Yulianti in the women's singles to put her side 2-1 up overall against Indonesia was the turning point of their tie earlier in the day.
"It was a big surprise because we didn't expect her to win, and it made a contribution to our big victory," Kim said.
Of the prospect of facing heavily favored China on home soil, he said: "China are the strongest team in the world...But if we can win the doubles, we are in with a chance of winning."
China and South Korea played 12 times in the Sudirman Cup and China won eight.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article