Holders China set up the mouthwatering prospect of a clash between Olympic champion Lin Dan and Malaysian world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei in the Sudirman Cup semi-finals after crushing Indonesia 5-0 to top Group B.
Hosts China, seeking a third successive title at the mixed team event, maintained their perfect record in the group stage after victories over Japan and England, although they faced a stiffer challenge from 2007 runners-up Indonesia.
Wang Yihan, winner of this year’s All England women’s title, had to come from behind after losing the first game to Maria Kristin Yulianti, Indonesia’s Olympic bronze medalist.
PHOTO: AFP
TOUGH IS GOOD
“Tough games like tonight are helpful for the young players ... It is no good to get to the semi-finals too easily,” China head coach Li Yongbo said.
The 21-year-old Wang, the world No. 8, is making her Sudirman Cup debut and has been chosen ahead of Olympic silver medalist and former world champion Xie Xingfang for all three matches.
“We have too many elite players, which is a headache for me,” coach Li told reporters.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT
A meeting between Lin and Lee is expected to be the highlight of today’s semi-finals when China take on Malaysia, who stunned Denmark to reach the last four for the first time.
In the other semi-final, Indonesia will take on South Korea, who were unbeaten in Group A against Malaysia, Denmark and Hong Kong.
In the Group 2 play-offs yesterday, Taiwan defeated Singapore 3-1.
US President Donald Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, is poised to make her LPGA Tour debut after receiving a sponsor invitation on Tuesday to the Nov. 13 to 16 tournament at Pelican Golf Club in Florida. “My dream has been to compete with the best in the world on the LPGA Tour,” Kai Trump said in a statement posted on the LPGA’s Web site. “This event will be an incredible experience,” she said. “I look forward [to] meeting and competing against so many of my heroes and mentors in golf as I make my LPGA Tour debut.” The 18-year-old high-school senior,
REACTION: Less than 24 hours after a 18-inning Game 3 loss, the Blue Jays’ win ensured that the best-of-seven series is to head back to Toronto for Game 6 tomorrow Vladimir Guerrero Jr on Tuesday blasted a two-run home run as the Toronto Blue Jays bounced back to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-2 and tie the MLB World Series at two games apiece. Less than 24 hours after a shattering 18-inning Game 3 loss, the Blue Jays climbed off the canvas to breathe new life into their hopes of a first MLB title in 32 years. Guerrero’s two-run blast off Dodgers starter Shohei Ohtani and a superb pitching performance from ace Shane Bieber laid the foundations for a gutsy victory that silenced Dodger Stadium. “I’m always trying to compete
Jemimah Rodrigues on Thursday hit an unbeaten 127 as India pulled off a record chase of 339 against Australia to set up a Women’s World Cup final against South Africa. Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who hit 89, put on 167 runs for the third wicket as India won with nine balls and five wickets to spare at DY Patil Stadium, on the outskirts of Mumbai. The hosts finished on a total of 341-5 in reply to Australia’s impressive 338 and ensured there would be a new name on the 50-over trophy tomorrow. Amanjot Kaur hit the winning boundary to trigger wild celebrations
Jannik Sinner on Thursday eased past Francisco Cerundolo 7-5, 6-1 at the Paris Masters to set up a quarter-final clash with Ben Shelton, while reigning champion Alexander Zverev earned a straight-sets win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round. A maiden crown in the French capital would return Sinner to No. 1 in the world rankings after current incumbent Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock early exit at the hands of Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The Italian four-time Grand Slam champion is yet to drop a set in the tournament as he hones in on what would be a fifth title of the
RSS