Hosts China sweep past Japan 3-0 to advance to final at Sudirman Cup in Xiamen

China reached the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Sudirman Cup final after sweeping past Japan 3-0 in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, on Saturday morning. The tournament hosts will now aim to claim a historic fourth consecutive title, as they await the winners of the other semifinal contest between South Korea and Indonesia. 

Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping put China ahead with a 21-11, 21-17 victory over Arisa Igarashi and Hiroki Midorikawa in mixed doubles.

World No. 1 Shi Yuqi then expanded the host nation's lead after brushing aside Kodai Naraoka 21-8, 21-16 in men's singles.

The women's singles match saw Tokyo Summer Olympics gold medalist Chen Yufei battle back from one game down to edge Akane Yamaguchi in three, moving China one win away from lifting the trophy again.

Yamaguchi opened with an 8-2 run before Chen closed the gap to 19-17, but the lady from Japan went on to claim the frame 21-17.

Chen quickly reverted to form and grabbed an 11-3 lead in the second set, on her way to storming to victory 21-9.

In the third, Chen was able to hold off Yamaguchi, who reduced the deficit to 11-10 midway through the game. But home favorite Chen made sure of the win by extending her advantage to 17-11, before putting the contest to rest 21-16.

The win clinches China's 16th consecutive Sudirman Cup final, with the event hosts looking to claim a 14th overall title in Sunday's championship contest.