China ousts S Korea in repeated match at Thomas Cup quarterfinal
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China's Lin Dan returns a shot to South Korea's Park Sung Hwan during the men's singles match of the quarterfinals of Thomas Cup badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 12, 2010. [Xinhua/Song Zhenping] |
China cruised into the semifinals of the Thomas Cup Wednesday with an easy win against South Korea in a repeated match in 24 hours.
The Chinese shuttlers who defeated South Korea in the group decider of the men's team tournament 4-1 on Tuesday, locked the victory 3-0 in the quarterfinals here, leaving no chance for their opponents to send the second doubles or third single, which might be both troublesome for the reigning champion.
The Olympic and world champion Lin Dan strove for the vital points in both sets to win over Park Sung Hwan, once called "Lin Dan finisher", 21-16, 21-15, after a close win Tuesday 21-18, 25- 23.
"I am more relaxed today after the tough match yesterday," said Lin. "Both of us played very well today. However, when we are both in good form, it is me that did better."
Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng, the 2006 world champion doubles, again gave China a 2-0 lead when they outdid South Korea's top doubles player Jung Jae Sung and his new partner Shin Baek Cheol in 29 minutes 21- 11, 21-16 before Chen Jin, third ranked single in the world, sealed the victory for China by beating South Korea's youngster Shon Wan Ho again 21-15, 21-12.
"The South Koreans have no pressure so that they could give out all they have to try to topple us," said China's head coach Li Yongbo. "However, our players did very well today both technically and mentally."
China will take on the winner of the clash later the day between the host team of Malaysia and Denmark in the semifinals.
In the other half zone, Indonesia also repeated their win against India in the group stage to secure a place in the top 4.
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