Defending champs China miss out on Uber Cup final for first time in 34 years

World
Europe

02:19

In badminton, China's women's team missed out on appearing in the final of the Uber Cup for the first time in 34 years after a 3-2 loss to hosts Thailand in the semi-finals in Bangkok on Friday. The defeat deprived Chinese women's team chances of winning a fourth title in a row and the 15th since 1984.

China's world number five Chen Yufei won the first frame against Ratchanok Intanon 21-15. But, the Thai who is one place above Chen in the world rankings, came back in the second with a 21-9 victory and then went on to lead 12-8 in the decider. Intanon caused problems for Chen with her powerful smash and sealed a 15-21, 21-9, 21-14 win for Thailand.

Chinese’s Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan celebrate scoring. /VCG Photo

In the women's doubles, Chinese Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan defeated Thais Jong-kol-fan Kitit har akul and Raminda Pra-jong-jal 21-17, 22-20 to help their team level with the hosts at one apiece.

The second singles match saw China's Gao Fangjie up against Nitchaon Jindapol. Gao came out on top in the first frame 21-19, only to lost to her Thai counterpart 19-21 and then 12-21 in the decider.

Chinese Li Xuerui in action during the match. /VCG Photo

The second doubles saw Chinese duo Huang Yaqiong and Tan Jinhua to come from a set down to see off Puttita Supa jirakul and Sapsiree Taeratt ana chai 24-26, 21-17, 21-18, leveling again at 2-2 overall.

But in the decisive contest, veteran Chinese Li Xuerui lost 11-21, 9-21 to Busanan On-gban-mrung-fan.