World Champion Akane Yamaguchi: Hosts China swept aside Malaysia 3-0 in the Sudirman Cup quarterfinals here on Friday, securing a spot in the last-four stage of the world badminton mixed-team championship.
The host nation dominated from the start, with mixed doubles pair Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping overcoming Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei 21-17, 21-17, before China's Shi Yuqi delivered a commanding 21-6, 21-14 victory over Leong Jun Hao in the men's singles. "I found my form quickly in the first game. Though my opponent fought harder in the second, I was fully prepared," Shi said.
Tokyo Olympic women's singles champion Chen Yufei sealed the win, crushing Karupathevan Letshanaa 21-8, 21-7 in just 32 minutes, reports Xinhua. "As a team competition, we all give our utmost to contribute points. Our unity eases the pressure," Chen remarked.
China will next face Japan, which defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0.
In other quarterfinals, Jonatan Christie defeated world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, powering Indonesia to a 3-1 victory over Thailand, while South Korea, led by Paris Olympic champion An Se-young, ousted Denmark 3-1.
Japan swept past Chinese Taipei 3-0 earlier on Friday with Koki Watanabe getting the better of Chou Tien Chen 21-13, 20-22, 21-14 in a men's singles match lasting nearly one and a half hours.
In the women's singles, former World Champion Akane Yamaguchi overcame Wen Chi Hsu 21=9, 17-21, 21-18 in an hour-long encounter.
Japan swept past Chinese Taipei 3-0 earlier on Friday with Koki Watanabe getting the better of Chou Tien Chen 21-13, 20-22, 21-14 in a men's singles match lasting nearly one and a half hours.
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Article Source: IANS