Hosts China crushed a talented Danish side 5-0 on Thursday to win their group at the Sudirman Cup in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, and will meet Indonesia in the quarterfinals that begins on Friday.

Despite the setback for Denmark, their two previous wins over Singapore and Egypt will enable them to advance with China to the knockout rounds.

Mixed doubles duo Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong put the holders ahead after defeating Mathias Thyrri and Amalie Magelund 21-9, 21-19. 

However,  Li Shifeng suffered a scare in the men's singles 89-minute thriller. 

23-year-old Li, who won the All England Open in March, was making his Sudirman Cup debut against Rasmus Gemke. 

Li won the first set 21-15 but the Dane fought back to take the second set 21-16. Li was then on the back foot in the beginning of the decider but he took his chances to claim the tie. 

"My mentality wasn't affected by the second set. I was ready to play the third set when I fell behind," said Li. 

"I was confident that no matter what happened, I would dare to fight and I wouldn't have any worries," he added. 

Victory was secured for China when Olympic women's singles champion Chen Yufei beat Denmark's Line Christophersen 21-8, 21-11  in only 36 minutes, and doubles pairs Liu Yuchen/Ou Xuanyi and Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan also hammered their respective opponents in straight sets.

Reigning champions China are clear favorites to win the trophy again, which they have done a record 12 times since the inaugural tournament in 1989. 

Denmark, also a strong badminton nation, have been Sudirman Cup runners-up twice. Denmark's line-up this year is built around men's world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen.

Other clashes in the knockout stage will see South Korea meet Chinese Taipei, Thailand face Japan, and Malaysia take on Denmark on Friday.

(With input from agencies)