China conquer

China are assured of gold medals in the men’s singles while Malaysia’s Chan Peng Soon-Lim Khim Wah continued their fine run in the Li Ning China Masters when they qualified for the semi-finals in Changzhou yesterday.

Peng Soon-Khim Wah beat compatriots Goh Wei Shem-Teo Kok Siang 21-18, 21-14, their personal result to date since winning the Thailand Open title in 2008. 

However, Wei Shem-Kok Siang, can also take heart with their strong performance in the tournament which included the scalp of Singapore and Indonesia Open champions Fang Chieh Min-Lee Sheng Mu from Chinese Taipei in the second round.

Peng Soon-Khim Wah will take on South Korea's Ko Sung Hyun-Yoo Yeon Seong, who beat China's Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan 21-14, 12-21, 21-10.

Malaysia’s veteran pair Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah, however, saw their final tournament as a pair end on a winning note when they were beaten 21-6, 21-11 by South Korea’s Jung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae. 

The Koreans will take on China’s reigning world champions Cai Yu-Fu Haifeng in the semi-finals. Cai-Fu beat teammates Guo Zhendong-Chen Xu 21-11, 21-16.

In the men's singles, China’s Lin Dan advanced to the semi-finals after beating Hu Yun of Hong Kong 22-20, 21-15 but will not take on South Korea’s Lee Hyun Il as expected.

The Korean was beaten by China’s Wang Zhenming 21-18, 21-17. The second semi-final will feature Bao Chunlai against Chen Long.

Bao beat Christian Lind Thomsen of Denmark 21-15, 21-16 while Chen Long beat Chinese Taipei’s Chen Chou Tien 21-12, 21-11.

In the women’s singles, only Tine Baun is in China’s way but the Dane will have to be at her best as she takes on World No 1 Wang Yihan in the semi-finals.

In the second semi-final, it will be the battle of two Wangs when Wang Shixian takes on Wang Xin. Shixian beat Lu Lan 21-13, 21-14 while Wang Xin beat Jiang Yanjiao 21-19, 16-21, 23-21.