Zhang Nan (L) and Zhao Yunlei of China pose during victory ceremony of badminton mixed doubles competition, at London 2012 Olympic Games in London, Britain, on August 3, 2012. Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei of China won gold medal. [Xinhua]

China's mixed doubles players Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei beat their teammates Xu Chen and Ma Jin to win the first gold medal in badminton in London at the Olympics on Friday, while two Chinese shuttlers are to play for another in women's singles.

Zhang and Zhao won with their scores 21-11 and 21-17. Xu and Ma snatched the silver. It is the first time China bags both the gold and the silver medals of the event at the Olympics.

Zhang/Zhao, the world No. 1 seed, dominated the court from the beginning, while their rivals made more mistakes. In the second game, they scored eight points in a row. Xu and Ma rallied to catch up, collecting four points before the match point. But they were too far behind to surpass.

After the match, the excited Zhang lay down on the court, before throwing his shoes to the crowd and waving a national flag as celebration, while the woman player Zhao appeared calm.

"The gold medal is a recognition for our training and preparation before the Olympics," Zhao said. "And it signals a new starting point as well."

This is her first time to the Olympic arena. "I didn't have a goal before coming here, just telling myself to do the best." She made a phone call to her parents. "They had been very supportive, not calling me and sending me text messages during the training after I arrived here. So I briefed them my victory."

Unlike her, Zhang said he came here to get the gold medal which was elusive to the Chinese team in 2008.

Women's singles players Wang Yihan and Li Xuerui defeated their rivals on Friday, and will be playing against each other to win their country the second gold.

The world No.1 seed Wang Yihan breezed past Indian Saina Nehwal during the semifinal 21-13 and 21-13.

"I think I did better than ever in this match," said the 24-year-old. "I started well and I believe that she would have more pressure. I have never lost to her before."

In another match between two Chinese players - Li Xuerui and Wang Xin, the newcomer Li outgunned her rival 22-20, 21-18.

"I am really glad to be entering the final," said the 21-year-old No. 3 seed. "I have thought of it in my wildest dream, but I also told myself to be down-to-earth and do well in each shot."

Talking about the final, the excited Li said she looked forward to the match. "I have confidence to win," she said.

In the All-England Badminton Open this March, Li won over Wang to make her name known.

Wang said she will do her best, whether playing with a foreign player or a teammate. "We know each other quite well," she said. "I have more experience."

Friday also saw the victories of badminton stars Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei, which means they will meet in the Olympic final again after four years.

Lin beat his rival Lee Hyun Il from South Korea 21-12 and 21-10. The competition was not really intense, as Lin dominated the court all the time, changing speed suddenly to score.

Another Chinese player Chen Long lost to Lee Chong Wei from Malaysia 21-13 and 21-14. The Chinese No. 3 seed seemed nervous and made several mistakes, where as the most experienced Lee was patient. As Chen made his last shot to the net, he was left out of the final.

Looking into the final, Lee called Lin Dan his "old foe". He was overpowered by the Chinese four years ago in the Beijing Olympics, and lost to him again at the World Championship last year in the Wembley Arena, where the final shall take place.

"The match will be a replay of the World Championship final," he said.

Lin was emotional talking about his arch-rival Lee. "We are getting older but could meet again in the Olympic final, which is amazing," he said. "I know he wants to win. I don't want to think about the result, but I will do my best.

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