China to face Japan in women's final, hosts prevail in Asian Games badminton

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Chinese women's badminton team set up a highly-anticipated final with Japan, and their men's counterparts will take on hosts Indonesia on Wednesday at the 18th Asian Games.

In women's semi-finals, China won three straight sets as a revenge of their 2-3 loss to Thailand during the same stage of 2018 Uber Cup semifinals late in May.

Chen Yufei celebrates following her side 3-0 victory over Thailand in the women's semifinal match of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 21. /VCG Photo

China's semi-final victory was contributed by the squad's top singles player Chen Yufei, the former world No. 1 pair Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan, and He Bingjiao.

Top-seeded Japan eliminated the host Indonesia 3-1 in the semi-final.

After their top option, Yamaguchi Akane fell to Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in full sets, Japan rushed through the contention thanks to victories by Fukushima Yuki/Hirota Sayaka, Okuhara Nozomi and Matsutomo Misaki/Takahashi Ayaka.

For the men's side, the Chinese beat Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their men's team semifinal matches.

Indonesian players celebrate their 3-1 win over Japan in men's badminton semifinal match of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 21. /VCG Photo

It was a different scenario in men's semifinals between the same sides, as Indonesia shocked Japan 3-1 to stand across from the net against China.

World No. 1 pairing Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo spearheaded the hosts' comeback, and that was fueled by their teammates Jonatan Christie and Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto to make the final.

China hopes to reclaim its glory in men's team event after losing to South Korea in the final four years ago.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency