Ryu Seung Min of the Republic of Korea returns the ball during the match of men's team group C against Chinese Taipei at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 14, 2008. The Republic of Korea beat Chinese Taipei 3-1.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korea beat Chinese Taipei to advance into the men's table tennis team semifinals at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Thursday.

    The second-seeded South Korea, which whitewashed Sweden 3-0 Wednesday, battle hard to edge out Chinese Taipei, boasting 10th-ranked Chuan Chih-yuan and 23-ranked Chiang Peng-lung.

    Defending champion Ryu Seung-min and Chuang were engaged in a seesaw confrontation with neither giving in until the last minute.

    Known for his excellent forehand serve and fast backhand, Chuang rallied from one game down to blow a 2-1 lead 5-11, 11-8, 11-7.

Ryu Seung Min of the Republic of Korea drives the ball during the match of men's team group C against Chinese Taipei at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 14, 2008. The Republic of Korea beat Chinese Taipei 3-1.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    But Ryu mounted gusty onslaught against a tenacious Chuang, wowing the crowd with their cross-court rallies.

    Chuang managed to hold his nerves before emerging with a 19-17 victory and took the prolonged match 3-1.

    Trailing 0-1 on set, South Korea did not lose stream and came back strong to dominate the following sets 3-1, 3-2, 3-2, sealing the whole match 3-1.

    Meanwhile, Japan also made it to the semi-finals after outlasting Chinese Hong Kong 3-0. Japan's Kan Yo, Jun Mizutani scored two points before meeting tough challenge from Li Ching and Ko Lai-chak.

    Li/Ko fought valiantly against teenage prodigy Mizutani and Seiya Kishikawa but failed to turn the table. The score for the showdown was 3-1, 3-1, 3-2.

    The table tennis tournament, held in the 8,000-seat stadium in Peking University, is scheduled to last 11 days starting from Aug. 13. The men's team event final will be held Monday following the women's final on Sunday.