NANNING, China: Hosts China closed in on an 11th Sudirman Cup title as they ruthlessly dismantled Thailand to reach Sunday’s final of the mixed-team badminton world championship.
China’s comfortable 3-0 victory sets them up for a tournament decider against top seeds Japan or Indonesia, who play their semi-final later on Saturday.
In Saturday’s opening match, the Thai mixed-doubles pair of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai fell in straight sets (21-18, 21-7) to Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong.
The men’s singles match featured plenty of drama, though, as Kantaphon Wangcharoen squandered three opportunities to clinch the second game and force a decider against Shi Yuqi.
But the Chinese star held his nerve before closing out victory 21-15, 26-24 to thrill the home crowd.
“It was a very tough second game,” said Shi, who was beaten in last year’s world championship final by Kento Momota.
In the men’s doubles, Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen prevailed 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) over Tinn Isriyanet and Kittinupong Kedren.
That gave the Chinese a 3-0 sweep in the best-of-five contest and made the final two matches, the women’s doubles and singles, unnecessary. World No.7 Ratchanok Inthanon had been drawn against Chen Yufei in the singles match.