Japanese duo the only threat to China's clean sweep of badminton titles

Japanese men's doubles duo of Hirokatsu Hashimoto and Noriyasu Hirata is the only threat to China's clean sweep of the titles at Badminton Asian Championships here on Saturday.

Hashimoto and Hirata beat fifth-seeded Chai Biao/Guo Zhendong of China 21-14 and 21-19, setting up a final clash with local-favorites and top seeded Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng.

Cheng Shao Chieh of Chinese Taipei was knocked out by former world number one Wang Yihan at 21-19, 23-21. The 2009 world champion Lu Lan of China conquered compatriot Jiang Yanjiao after snatching an enbroil 21-18, 25-23 victory.

"I was quite enjoying the game. The audience shouting with my name really inspired me to perform better. I'm OK with my defeat," said Cheng drenching in sweat after the match.

Jung Eun Ha/ Min Jung Kim of South Korea failed to defend heavy smash volleys from Chinese duo Tian Qing/ Zhao Yunlei in women's doubles semifinals. After carved one set back, Ha and Kim bowed to a 15-21, 21-19 and 17-21 defeat. Tian and Zhao will face second-seeded Wang Xiaoli/Yu Yang in the final.

Mixed doubles witnessed a 17-21, 21-15 loss of Thai pair Sudket Prapakamol/Saralee Thoungthongkam to Xu Chen/Ma Jin from China, the latter will face top seeded Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei.

In men's singles semifinals, defending champion Lin Dan shot out compatriot Du Pengyu at 21-13, 21-16 before his friend Bao Chunlai waved goodbye to Chen Long in a China-derby.

"To me, Aisan Championships is just a warmup match for Sudirman Cup next month," claimed Lin, whose world rankings on the BWF (Badminton World Federation) list just slided down from the second to third.

Source: Xinhua

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