China, Japan advance to Uber Cup semifinals with commanding victories

BANGKOK - China and Japan both achieved commanding victories in the Badminton Uber Cup quarterfinals on Thursday, putting them one step closer to reviving the previous competition's final.

Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yufei opened the path to victory for China by defeating Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi in straight sets, followed by Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan with a 2-0 victory.

Bilqis Prasista, carrying her form from yesterday's surprising victory against Japan's top singles shuttler Akane Yamaguchi, took the first set against China's He Bingjiao in the third match. But He then took over and won 19-21, 21-18, 21-7, handing China a 3-0 victory.

Meanwhile, Yamaguchi defeated rival Tai Tzu Ying, leading Japan to a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei.

China will play hosts Thailand in the semifinals, while Japan will face South Korea for the other final berth. China defeated Japan to win last year's Uber Cup trophy.