China through to Thomas Cup finals

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, February 21, 2004

China through to Thomas Cup finals

China booked their place in the men's Thomas Cup finals in May after defeating Thailand 4-1, to join South Korea, Japan and hosts Malaysia in the last four.

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China booked their place in the men's Thomas Cup finals in May after defeating Thailand 4-1, to join South Korea, Japan and hosts Malaysia in the last four.

China were given a rude awakening when Boonsak Polsana defeated world number one Chen Hong 8-15, 15-12, 15-11 in the first singles, the first time the Thai had got the better of Chen Hong.

Boonsak said his confidence was at an all-time high following his win at the Thailand Open last month.

"Though I was the underdog, I was confident of turning the tables on my more fancied opponent," said Boonsak.

"This has got to go down as my most memorable win and I am now looking forward to the Swiss Open and All England with renewed confidence."

However Thailand missed the chance of pulling off mighty upset when their top doubles pair, Sudket Prapakamol-Patapol Ngernsrisuk, lost to Cai Yun and Fu Hai Feng 15-11, 15-5.

China went on to win the second singles through Lin Dan, who was stretched to three games before overcoming Thiraya Laohathaimongkol 11-15, 15-1, 15-4.

Doubles pair Sang Yang and Zheng Bo gave China the winning point when they defeated Pramote Teerawiwatana and Tesana Panvisvas 8-15, 15-13, 15-13 while Bao Chun Lai defeated Adisak Wirayapadungpong 15-5, 16-14 to complete the win.

Japan struggled to a 3-2 win over Singapore with Roland Susilo giving the islanders a perfect start with a 15-7, 15-4 win over Shoji Sato.

Malaysia may have beaten Hong Kong 4-1 but the defeat of their top doubles pair Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah at the hands of Liu Kok Wa and Albertus Susanto 15-8, 13-15, 13-15 raised some eyebrows on their form.

South Korea were just too strong for India and powered to an easy 5-0 win to book their place in the last four.

Earlier, Iran defeated Macau 5-0 while Taiwan registered the same margin of victory over Vietnam.

In the semi finals on Saturday South Korea play Malaysia while Japan will take on China.

In the Uber Cup, Hong Kong were sent crashing out of the qualifiers after an upset defeat against India.

India romped to a 4-1 victory and will now play hosts Malaysia for a place in the May finals as Hong Kong, bronze medallists at the 2002 championships in Guangzhou, self-destructed.

Hong Kong, who had already suffered a 3-2 defeat to Malaysia earlier this week, were always struggling in the absence of several key players including the injured singles star Wang Chen.

In the other early Uber Cup match Thursday, Malaysia went through the paces and defeated Macau 5-0.

Source:Agencies

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