Title contenders China set up a dream final against defending champions Japan in the Badminton Asia Tong Yun Kai Cup Mixed Team Championships in Wanchai, Hong Kong China.
In the second semi-final played at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wanchai on Saturday night, the second-seeded Chinese romped to an easy 3-0 win over host Hong Kong China.
China is strongly tipped to win the title this year after losing to eventual champions Japan in the semi-finals 3-1.
This year the Chinese have been impressive in their march to the final and are strongly favored the title although defending champions Japan is still the favorite to retain the title they won in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in 2017 when they beat Korea 3-0 in the final.
China’s mixed doubles He Jiting-Du Yue started the ball rolling by taking the first point although they had to go the full distance before prevailing 21-10, 20-22, 21-14 against Tang Chun Man-Ng Tsz Yau in a 55-minute encounter.
It was smooth sailing for men’s singles Lu Guangzhu, ranked 20 in the latest BWF ranking list against 34th ranked Lee Cheuk Yiu in his 21-18, 21-9, win for China’s second point.
The host, however, did not throw in the towel easily as men’s doubles Chang Tak Ching-Yeung Ming Nok gave Han Cheng Kai-Zhou Hadong a run for their money before the Chinese clinched the winning point with a 14-21, 21-8, 21-17 in 48 minutes.
“We are the underdogs against China,” said Japan team manager Park Joo Bong. – Badminton Asia
RESULTS
(Semi-finals)
China beat Hong Kong China 3-0
(China first)
Mixed doubles
He Jiting-Du Yue beat Tang Chun Man-Ng Tsz Yau 21-10, 20-22, 21-14
Men’s singles
Lu Guangzhu beat Lee Cheuk Yiu 21-18, 21-9
Men’s doubles
Han Chengkai-Zhou Haodong beat Chang Tak Ching-Yeung Ming Nok 14-21, 21-18, 21-17.
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