China romp into Thomas Cup semis

Pre-tournament favourites China set up a semi-final clash with Malaysia on Tuesday as European challengers Denmark also clinched a berth in the last four stage in the Thomas Cup men's team badminton tournament.

China ensured they finished top of Group A with a 4-1 win over South Korea. They will now face Asian powerhouse Malaysia on Thursday for a place in the final.

The Koreans had the awesome task of having to defeat the hosts to have any chance of qualifying for the last four.

China's world number one Xia Xuanze defeated Japan Open champion Lee Hyun-Il 7-5, 7-1, 7-5 to draw first blood for the Chinese.

However, the Chinese doubles again looked shaky, despite coach Li Yongbo's decision to drop Zhang Jun. Korean pair Kim Dong-Moon and Yoo Yung-Sung thrashed Cheng Rui and Wang Wei 7-4, 7-4, 7-4 to level the tie.

But a brilliant attacking display from 18-year-old Lin Dan, which saw him beat Shon Seung-Mo 7-5, 7-2, 7-2 gave the hosts a 2-1 lead.

Doubles pair Zhang Wei and Chen Qiqiu pulled off a nerve wracking victory in the fourth rubber to ensure the Chinese maintained their proud record of having reached at least the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup every year since 1976.