He Hanbin and Yu Yang became the sole Chinese pair to reach the badminton mixed doubles semifinals at the Olympic Games on Thursday.

They beat Robert Mateusiak and Nadiezda Kostiuczyk of Poland 22-20, 23-21. The other Chinese mixed doubles Gao Ling and Zheng Bo were eliminated early in the first round on Wednesday.

The Chinese duo trailed 17-20 in the first game, but they managed five points in a row with fierce smashes and the mistakes from their opponents.

Kostiuczyk made another crucial mistake with a false service when it was 20-20 in the second game, while her partner failed in the return of service at 21-21. The Chinese duo seized the opportunities, winning the game at 23-21.

"We played well at the beginning, but lost concentration in the middle of first game. We reorganized ourselves in the second game," said He Hanbin after the match.

"I have the motivation and confidence to win the match," He added.

(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2008)