NEW DELHI (AP) β Japan dashed China’s bid for a record sixth consecutive title in Thomas Cup badminton with a stunning 3-0 victory over the hot favorite in the semifinals on Friday.
World No. 4 Kenichi Tago and the fast-rising Kento Momoto registered contrasting wins over more fancied opponents to help Japan make the final for the first time.
Tago scored an easy 21-13, 21-11 win over world No. 2 Chen Long in 43 minutes, and former world junior champion Momoto defeated world No.6 Du Pengyu 23-25, 21-18, 21-14.
Kenichi Hayakawa and Hiroyuki Endo won the doubles match.
However, the China women, featuring the world’s top three players, made the final of the Uber Cup with a 3-0 victory over South Korea.
