Lin Dan of China returns against Thai ace Boonsak Ponsana during their quarter-final match.

Thais go down fighting as Chinese stars book semi-final clash against Malaysia

Mighty China fielded their strongest side, led by world champion Lin Dan, to sweep spirited Thailand 3-0 in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup at the Senayan Stadium in Indonesia yesterday.

Thailand showcased impressive form on the previous day to thrash unfancied New Zealand 3-0 in the first round of the knock-out stage in the prestigious competition, dubbed the World Men's Team Championships, while China received a first-round bye.

World No 1 Lin Dan, who claimed seven major titles last year including the All-England and Super Series in Germany, Hong Kong, China and South Korea, made it 1-0 for the defending champions after brushing aside Boonsak Ponsana's challenge 21-15 21-14.

World No 12 Boonsak, who won last month's India Grand Prix Gold Series, was no match for Lin and lost in 35 minutes.

Close encounter

In the doubles match, Thais Tesana Panvisavas and Nuttaphon Narkthong started nervously against the established world No-2 pair of Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng and duly lost the first game.

With the powerful Tesana puncturing the rival defence with devastating smashes, the Thais found their rhythm and fought for every point in the second. However, the Chinese won 21-12, 21-17.

In the third match, world No 3 Bao Chulai, semi-finalist in this year's Swiss Open and All-England Super Series, outplayed Thai No 2 Poompat Sapkulchananart 21-14 21-11 in 33 minutes.

In tomorrow's semi-finals, China will take on Malaysia, who tamed Japan 3-0 yesterday. South Korea were due to play Denmark and England against Indonesia later in the quarter-finals.

Chinese team manager Li Yongbo said his squad been affected by the earthquake in Sichuan province that has claimed thousands of lives, but they kept their focus to beat Thailand.

"The whole team are very concerned and determined to help out. They have all donated money and are watching what happens closely," he said, adding that at least three of the Chinese squad are from Sichuan.

Li was keen to play down China's chances of grabbing a third straight title, saying Indonesia were the team to beat.

"It doesn't really matter who we play, we will always be prepared," he said.

"But I think China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Denmark are all very equal at the moment. I'd say though that Indonesia are favourites because they have the home crowd support."

Meanwhile, Indonesia made the last four of the women's Uber Cup, upsetting Hong Kong 3-0 in front of a vocal home crowd, and will next play Germany who won their all-European blockbuster against Denmark by the same score.

China continue their drive towards an 11th Uber Cup crown when they play the Netherlands later, with the top-ranked Xie Xingfang spearheading the team's assault.