GUANGZHOU (China), Feb 28: Japanese women powered into the World Team Table Tennis Championships semi-finals here on Thursday and immediately issued a challenge to the all-conquering China. Japan, determined to finish higher than their third at the last worlds, thumped Hungary 3-0 to set up a semi-final showdown with Singapore, who earlier secured their spot in a dramatic fashion.

Singapore, earlier, downed the Netherlands after the Europeans, 2-0 down in their quarter-final, were forced to halt the third match when Li Jie hurt her ankle in the opening game.

It was a crushing end for the Netherlands, whose paddlers survived an exhausting encounter with South Korea late Wednesday to reach the quarters.

Hong Kong, second at the last two worlds, are also into the semis after grinding down Austria in marathon matches lasting almost three hours, to eventually wrap up the clash 3-2.

The southern Chinese territory are expected to meet formidable China in the semis.

China, undefeated in this tournament since 1993, were strongly favoured to thrash Romania later Thursday.

China’s equally fearsome men whitewashed Italy 3-0 to reach the quarters, as they stepped up their campaign for a fourth straight team title.

Italy took just one game off China, boasting the world’s top players who are using the worlds as the perfect warm-up for the Beijing Olympics where nothing short of total dominance is expected.

Japan also continued their scintillating form, downing Serbia 3-0 to finish top of their group and also automatically qualify for the quarter-finals.

South Korea, gunning for their first team title, are also in, but were made to suffer anxious moments against a gritty Hungary, before prevailing 3-1.

Hong Kong secured a spot after fighting through a 3-2 thriller against Belarus, relegating Singapore to second in their group.

Powerhouse Germany suffered a double setback as they attempt to reach the finals. The third seeds were dumped 3-1 by minnows Slovakia, with Bastian Steger injuring a hamstring in his clash, forcing Germany to abandon his match.

It was the second straight defeat for Germany, who had opted to rest key players for the Slovakia match.

As well as Germany and Singapore, six other teams, who finished second and third in their groups, will battle it out in the playoffs.

Results: