GUANGZHOU, Nov 12: China moved a step closer to the women’s Asian Games team badminton gold medal on Friday before a shuttlecock was hit when first round opponents Macau pulled out.

The Chinese were set to play their opening match on Saturday but have received a walkover.

Macau withdrew after it was found that several players did not comply with the regulations that require an athlete representing a country to meet the minimum three-year residency status, officials said. The players were not named.

China is relying on its quartet of Wang Xin, Jiang Yanjiao, Wang Shixian and Lu Lan in the singles department here.

Yu Yang and Wang Xiaoli along with Cheng Shu and Zhao Yunlei are expected to spearhead their women’s doubles assault.—AFP