China mobilized its strongest shuttlers to beat the
predominantly new faces Indonesia 5-0 in the qualifying round of the Uber Cup
finals Friday.
Eight-time champion China, seeded number one in the women's
team championship, gave only one set to the host squad in the best-of-five
match.
World's number one Gong Ruina trashed Silvia Antarini
11-1,3-11,11-3in the opening game while doubles players Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen
took a mere 30minutes to beat Jo Novita/Lilyana Natsir 15-5,15-2.
Zhou Mi sealed victory for her side after ousting host Maria
Kristin with an easy 11-1,11-1win.
"My players looked nervous and could not show their true
colors. They performed better during training session," Indonesian Uber Cup
manager Christian Hadinata told Xinhua shortly after Zhou-Maria clash. Indonesia
last won the Uber Cup in 1994.
Chinese duo Wei Yili/Zhao Tingting defeated Lita
Nurlita/GresyaPolii 15-2,15-4and world's number four Xie Xinfang ended her
Indonesian opponent Adrianti Firdasari 11-1,11-6to ensure a perfect 5-0victory.
With all singles players featuring in world's top six and
doubles players in top four, China is named a clearest favorite to take home the
ninth title, or fourth title in a row.
