Thomas Cup: Japan oust defending champs China, enter final

Japanese shuttlers created history when they ousted nine-time and defending champions China from the semi-final of the World Men's Team Championship for the Thomas Cup at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here Friday.

They caused the biggest upset of the tournament by drubbing the sport's superpower China by clinching the first three matches of their last-four tie. In the process, Japan assured themselves of at least a silver medal by entering their first ever final of the prestigious biennial tournament.

Later, five-time champions Malaysia also made the final, their first since 2002 when they lost to Indonesia. World No.1 Lee Chong Wei, Chong Wei Feng and the doubles pair of Tan Boon Heong and Hoon Thien How made sure they defeated Indonesia 3-0 to reach Sunday's summit clash.

This will also be two-time Olympic silver medallist Chong Wei's first silver at least, if they don't win the gold Sunday.

Earlier China, who have won the last five editions of the tournament, had to be content with only a bronze. The last time they failed to enter the final was 12 years back in 2002.

Overcoming a dismal loss against French Brice Leverdez in the quarterfinal, Japan's Kenichi Tago posted a confident and comprehensive 21-13, 21-11 victory over World No.2 Chen Long to give Japan an unexpected 1-0 lead. This was the World No.4's fourth win over the Chinese in 10 meetings.

World No.3 Kenichi Hayakawa and Hiroyuki Endo took full advantage of the momentum to defeat Biao Chai and Wei Hong 22-20, 21-19 in the doubles clash to give Japan a 2-0 advantage.

There was immense pressure on Pengyu Du in the second singles to keep China alive in the tie because a win would have turned the tide in their favour with two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan scheduled to play the third singles.

Du took off well by taking the first game 25-23 in a cliffhanger against Kento Momota. But the Japanese World No.14 came back strongly to win the next two games 21-18 and 21-14 in a marathon match which lasted an incredible one hour and 25 minutes, following which the Japanese team jumped from their seats in jubilation.

"We are aiming to win the tournament and beating China is just a part of that process. China are a strong team but we had experienced players which makes us a strong team as well. That's why we could win," Momota said.

"The only way to win against China is to take them on in the doubles. They are too strong in singles. Our game plan was exactly the same and we are happy that we successfully executed the plan."