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DECIDER … China’s Chen Jin celebrates after defeating Malaysia’s Muhammad Hafiz Hashim.
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17th May, 2008
JAKARTA: Lee Chong Wei upset world number one Lin Dan Friday but it proved futile as defending champions China crept past Malaysia and into the Thomas Cup final where they will face South Korea.
China fought back to win 3-2 while the Koreans, whose tactics of deliberately losing in the group rounds sparked controversy, stunned 13-time champions Indonesia 3-0 to make their first ever final.
The odds were stacked against Malaysia, with China the dominant world force.
But the fans sensed an upset when world number two Chong Wei won the battle of the big guns against an out-of-sorts Lin in the first singles rubber.
Chong Wei rattled through the first set in just 15 minutes before sealing the temperamental Chinese star’s fate 21-12, 21-14.
Order was restored by doubles world number two Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng who held their nerve against the spirited Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong to win 21-16, 21-17.
And the wheel spun in China’s favour when world number three Bao Chunlai proved too good for Malaysian captain Wong Choong Hann who crashed 21-18, 21-7 to put the tie within reach.
But Malaysia’s strong point is doubles and Muhammad Zakry Abdul Latif and Muhammad Fairuzizuan Muhammad Tazari forced the tie into a thrilling finale by beating Xie Zhongbo and Guo Zhendong.
With China’s reputation at stake, Chen Jin stepped up to the mark to outgun Muhammad Hafiz Hashim and ensure they remain on track for a third straight title.
“Whatever the score, as long as we are in the final I am happy,” said China coach Li Yongbo, adding that Lin losing was always a possibility.
“If Lin had won then maybe the score would have been 3-0 but Chong Wei played very well so he deserved to win.”
A relieved Bao said he was determined to win his match to keep his country’s hopes alive.
“That was a very important win for us,” he said of his game. “I felt I had to win the match and I succeeded in handling the pressure.
“He (Choong Haan) didn’t play his best match and made some costly mistakes.”
Despite Malaysia losing, Chong Wei was ecstatic at beating Lin.
“This is my best ever win over Lin,” he said. “I made very few mistakes and I didn’t expect it to be so easy.”
The record book favoured Malaysia, with China unable to beat them at the Thomas Cup in three meetings since 1992 before Friday.
South Korea reinforced their emergence as a rising power with an unexpected victory over Indonesia.
Asian champion Park Sung-Hwan gave them the best possible start by beating world number six Sony Dwi Kuncoro in three sets.
Jung Jae-Sung and Lee Yong-Dae made it 2-0 in upsetting Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, leaving local hopes in the hands of Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat.
But the Athens gold medal winner failed to rise to the occasion, slumping to a 21-13, 21-14 defeat to Lee Hyun-Il and leaving Indonesian fans in shock.
The women’s Uber Cup final is held on Saturday with defending champions China aiming for a sixth consecutive title with just Indonesia standing in their way. – AFP
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