Intro:

Hosts China eased into the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup with a three-rubbers-to-nil victory over Malaysia on Wednesday (May 23).

Script:

The world number one ranked nation, the defending champions, the hosts - China were definitely the team to avoid in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup.

Malaysia - minus their injured superstar Lee Chong Wei - had the misfortune to be drawn against them - and started in spirited fashion.

But after Daren Liew had prised the opening set away from a surprised Lin Dan, the Chinese player roared back.

He dropped only a further 14 points on the way to a 17-21, 21-9, 21-5 success.

Next up - the first doubles tie.

Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng always had the edge against determined opponents in Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong .

Cai and Fu secured set one 21-17.

It was 21-18 in the second - and China had snatched a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five tie.

They could soon think about a place in the last four as Chen Long quickly took control against Mohd Hafiz Hashim.

21-10, 21-11 the eventual outcome - 3-0 to China and a place against Japan in the last four.