China enters finals in Uber Cup

The Chinese shuttlers are one step away from their ninth Uber Cup title, or fifth in a row, after sweeping Japan 3-0 in the semifinal match at the Bung Karno Stadium Thursday in Jakarta.

The Chinese team, with world's top three singles players and top two pairs, extended its unbeaten streak to four wins without dropping a game, making their eleventh final of the tournament since 1984.

Top-ranked Gong Ruina put China in the lead after beating 1998 Asian Games medalist Kanako Yonekura 11-5, 11-2, extending her head-to-head lead to 5-0.

Top-ranked duo Gao Ling/Huang Sui still have not found equal opponents in this tournament so far and took an easy 15-3, 15-2 win over Shizuka Yamamoto/Seiko Yamada, without giving the Japanese any chance to catch up.

World number two Zhang Ning, although playing a defensive game,secured the ticket to the final after beating tough Kaori Mori, who is ranked 13rd in the world, 11-7, 11-7.

"We are simply stronger than Japan and I am not surprised with the excellent result this evening," China's team manager Li Yong Bo said.

Meanwhile, Japan's head coach Shuji Matsuno said his players had done their best in the semifinal match, but was still not goodenough to overcome top-seeded China.

"I have no doubt China will reclaim the tittle," he said.

Road to final:

China bt Netherlands 5-0 (group match)

China bt Indonesia 5-0 (group match)

China bt Malaysia 3-0 (quarterfinal)

China bt Japan 3-0 (semifinal).