14 May 2004	Friday	23 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

JAKARTA, May 13: Defending champions China remained on course for a fourth successive Uber Cup women's badminton title on Thursday with a 3-0 semifinal victory over Japan.

World number one Gong Ruina dropped only four points toanako Yonekura in a quick-fire first game before Gao Ling and Huang Sui beat Shizuka Yamamoto-Seiko Yamada 15-3, 15-2.

World number two Zhang Ning encountered greater difficulty against Kaori Mori, ranked 13, but still wrapped up the tie 11-7, 11-7.Shuji Matsuno, head coach of Japan's women, tipped China to lift the trophy when the top seeds face the winner of South Korea and Denmark, who play later on Thursday, in Saturday's final.

He added that Japan were happy with the bronze medal awarded to both losing semifinalists. Meanwhile Indonesia's team manager has warned his men face a tough task in turning over second seeds Denmark for a chance to extend their 10-year reign in the concurrent Thomas Cup.

Speaking after Indonesia's quarterfinal triumph over Malaysia, Christian Hadinata said the Danes were a balanced team with strong players. Indonesia's bid for a fifth straight title in the men's badminton was dealt a heavy blow when they were hammered 5-0 by a rampant Chinese on Monday.

Uber Cup

China 3 Japan 0

South Korea 3 Denmark 2. -AFP