The Indonesians, who "selected" China as their opponents for the semi-finals, were sure to be disappointed at their choice, and the Malaysians, who had promised to regain the Thomas Cup after 14 years, has never thought to be defeated by the Danish in the semis.

    In-form Lin Dan, now ranked first in the world, was unexpected to ease past the Olympic and world champion Indonesian Taufik Hidayat with a score of 21-16 and 21-8 in 42 minutes. The success leveled the record at 3-3 between the world top two shuttlers.

    This first point was seen as the key to the whole match as it boosted the morale of the following Chinese players.

    "I am very happy to take the important point for my team," saidLin Dan, adding that he would do his best in the following finals on Sunday.

    In the following thrilling first doubles, China's Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng, world number three pair, ousted Luluk Hadiyanto and Yulianto Alven 24-22 and 21-17 after they changed leading position time from time in the thrilling two games.

    The third point of China was from Bao Chunlai. When tied at 16-16 in the first game, the tall and lovely Chinese took four points in a row mainly on his cross-smashes and finished the game at 21-17 over Olympic bronze medalist Soni Dwi Kuncoro, world number 20.

    But in the second, Soni led all the way to 16-9 and 20-19. At the crucial time, the Chinese saved three game points before he overcame to win the game and match at 24-22.

    The victory added Bao's winning streak against Soni 5-0 in their past meetings.

    Chinese head coach Li Yongbo expressed on press conference his satisfaction with the performances of Chinese boys in the day, saying he appreciated Lin Dan's good start, Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng's keeping up of the momentum and Bao Chunlai's decisive contribution.

    "If they continue their form in the finals like today, I am sure we can defend the title," Li said.

    "Lin Dan was in top form while Taufik was not. That's why we lost the match against China," said Lius Pongoh, team manager of Indonesia.

    It took 12 years for China to win back the Thomas Cup trophy two years ago in Jakarta, beating Denmark 3-1 in the finals.

    In the match with Malaysia, Danish 3rd singles Joachim Persson,22, a freshman who has never attracted attention in any international events, clinched victory for his team with a hard 2-0 in the decider.

    Thomas Lauridsen, coach of the Denish team, extolled his boys for showing "great team strength " and said his players "will concentrate on the finals with China."

    "This is the happiest time in my life," said Persson, "I was a little bit nervous at first, but I completely focused myself in the second game, and it's just the focus help me come back to the game and win."

    "China is a great badminton nation and the definite favorite. However we have demonstrated our capability in the match with Malaysia and I think we also have a chance to win," said Persson when being asked about expectation on the upcoming finals with China. Enditem