Date:16/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/16/stories/2008051655781700.htm

Sport - Badminton

China storms into Uber Cup final

JAKARTA: It was back to business for defending champion China on Thursday as it raced into the Uber Cup final, pounding South Korea 3-1 to move a step closer to its sixth consecutive title.

China, unbeaten at the Uber Cup in 10 years, showed glaring weaknesses against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, rallying from 2-1 down after Xie Xingfang and Jiang Yanjiao lost their singles rubbers.

World No. 1 Xie had a point to prove after being humbled by Dutch star Yao Jie. She responded by spanking Hwang Hye-Youn 21-9, 21-19 to put China one-up.

But the world’s top doubles team, Yang Wei and Zhang Jiewen, lost 14-21, 21-17, 21-18 to Won Lee-Kyung and Jung Lee-Hyo.

However, Lu Lan, who is in the running for the third singles spot for the Beijing Olympics, romped home past Jang Soo-Young 21-9, 21-12.

Wei Yili and Zhang Yawen then wrapped up the match with victory over Kim Min-Jung and Ha Jung-Eun.

China will meet either Indonesia or Germany in Saturday’s final.

The results: Uber Cup: Semifinal: China 3 bt South Korea 1 (Xie Xingfang bt Hwang Hye-youn 21-9, 21-19; Lu Lan bt Jang Soo-young 21-9, 21-12; Yang Wei & Zhang Jiewen lost to Lee Kyung-won & Lee Hyo-jung 14-21, 21-17, 21-18; Wei Yili & Zhang Yawen bt Kim Min-jung and Ha Jung-eun 21-19, 21-8). — Agencies