ASIAN CHAMPS 2011 QF – Four lone rangers to challenge mighty China

It was a good field day for the home crowd as they witnessed Team China book a massive 16 berths in Saturday’s semi-finals. It will be an all-China affair in the men’s singles event, while the other events will see a lone ranger standing up to the dominance of the Chinese shuttlers.

By Pearlyn Kwang, Badzine Correspondent. Photos (live): China Foto Press/ Badmintonphoto

Hirokatsu Hashimoto / Noriyasu Hirata ensured that Japan’s flag is still being flown on the weekend with their 21-15, 21-13 drubbing of second seeds Markis Kido / Hendra Setiawan. They will next take on Chai Biao / Guo Zhendong for a place in the men’s doubles finals while Xu Chen and Zhang Nan (photo) take on their compatriots Cai and Fu.

Chinese Taipei will be represented in the women’s singles draw by Cheng Shao Chieh, who prevailed over Thailand’s young talent Porntip Buranaprasertsuk 18-21 23-21 21-7.  Porntip’s compatriot Sapsiree Taerattanachai’s journey was also halted, by world number 2 Wang Yihan (photo). The other women’s singles tie will pit Jiang Yanjiao against Lu Lan, who continued her rampage over her colleagues after defeating defending champion Li Xuerui in two extremely tight games.

Not contented with just a quarter-final appearance, Ha Jung Eun / Kim Min Jung of Korea fought hard against third-seeded Miyuki Maeda / Satoko Suetsuna and eventually triumphed 19-21, 23-21, 21-17 after a grueling 1 hour 36 minutes. Fresh off a win from the Swiss Grand Prix Gold, the Korean ladies will next face strong competition from China’s Tian Qing / Zhao Yunlei (photo headline) in their bid for more glory. Tian/Zhao had earlier sent world number 1 Chien Yu Chin/Cheng Wen Hsing packing in the very first match of the day.

Capping off the final non-Chinese contender are veterans Sudket Prapakamol / Saralee Thoungthongkam of Thailand, who overpowered Lee Sheng Mu/Chien Yu Chin 29-27, 21-10.

China has already secured the men’s singles crown, with top seed Lin Dan leading the pack. Lin managed to scrape through a three set battle against Japan’s ever-improving Sho Sasaki, but not before earning a yellow card along the way. Du Pengyu and Bao Chunlai (photo) joined the reigning Olympic champion soon after, both dispatching of their higher seeded opponents in two close sets. It will undoubtedly be an encouraging win for Bao Chunlai over Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana as he have been struggling to regain his past top status after injury. Second-seeded Chen Long rounds up the quartet.

All results HERE

Live Streaming of the final 3 days of the Badminton Asia Championships is available HERE