China's A and B teams continue to be at the top in their respective groups at the World Cup here with victories on Thursday.
China's A team, Ding Junhui and Xiao Guodong, stormed to a 5-0 win over Norway in Group A and had 18 points in a possible 20. They needed just one frame on Friday against third-placed Malta to reach the knockout stage, Xinhua news agency reported.
China's B team, comprising teenagers Zhou Yuelong and Yan Bingtao, edged Thailand 3-2 in the Group D. They now have 14 points, just ahead of Thailand who smashed England 5-0 in the opening day.
China B still needed three frames when facing Germany in their last match of the group stage in order to progress.
In Group D, a 4-1 win for Wales over Northern Ireland brought them a total of 17 points. Mark Williams and Michael White need just one more point against Australia on Friday to be sure of their progress.
In Group B, Brazil won their third consecutive match at the World Cup on Thursday to boost their chance of qualifying from the group phase.
The group matches will be finished on Friday. The top two in each group will enter the knockout stage.
