China ready to avenge Thailand, hosts stride in Asian Games badminton

Source: Xinhua| 2018-08-20 19:19:07|Editor: huaxia
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JAKARTA, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese women's badminton players are ready to take their revenge on their Thai counterparts in the semifinals, while hosts Indonesia marched on in both men's and women's events at the Asian Games here on Monday.

Thailand prevailed over China 3-2 in this year's Uber Cup semifinal, resulting in the latter's first disappearance from the final in 34 years since its debut in the tournament.

China cruised through women's quarterfinals in less than an hour after eliminating minnows Maldives in straight sets.

Top Chinese singles player Chen Yufei took charge from the outset against Fathimath Razzaq to storm to an 11-1 lead, before taking away the first game 21-2. The second game ran in a similar manner for Chen, who felt little resistance en route to her 21-3 triumph in eight minutes.

World Championships bronze medalist He Bingjiao swept aside Aminath Moosa 21-6, 21-3, and China powered to final four through Gao Fangjie's 21-5, 21-9 win against Neela Najeeb.

Ratchanok Intanon upset world No. 1 Tai Tzuying 21-18, 21-18 in a spotlight clash, which earned Thailand much boost in morale to breeze past Chinese Taipei in straight sets.

Home crowds' fervor spurred Indonesia to fight past South Korea 3-1, kicking off by Gregoria Mariska Tunjung's 21-13, 8-21, 21-18 victory over Sung Jihyun in No. 1 singles players' duel.

Standing across the net from the hosts in the semifinals will be Japan, who pulled through 3-1 against India.

In men's side, China were also unhindered in striding into the final four after conquering Hong Kong, China 3-0.

World Championships runner-up Shi Yuqi, in his first international major tournament as No. 1 singles player of the team, outplayed Ng Ka Long Angus 21-15 in the first game from a 7-7 draw. Shi built on his momentum to earn China an early advantage at 21-11.

Current men's doubles champions Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen dismissed Tang Chun Man and Yeung Ming Nok 21-13, 21-13 to put China further ahead.

Olympic champion Chen Long held firm to get past Wong Wing Ki Vincent 21-13, 21-14 in the third set, guiding China into the semifinals.

China's next opponents will be Chinese Taipei, who ousted Nepal 3-0 on Monday.

Indonesia also took up one spot in men's semifinals after overcoming India 3-1. They will take on Japan, who upset defending champions South Korea 3-0, on Tuesday.

Winners of the Asian Games badminton team events will come out on Wednesday. Enditem

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