China whitewash Japan 5-0 in Sudirman Cup

In badminton, defending champion China booked a berth in the Sudirman Cup semifinals on Tuesday. The Chinese shut out Japan 5-0 in their second group match.

China booked a berth in the Sudirman Cup  semifinals on Tuesday. The Chinese shut out Japan 5-0 in their second group match.

Tuesday marked the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake on May 12th, 2008 in Sichuan province, China. Chinese players observed one-minute of silence before the group match against Japan.

Olympic silver medallists Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng won the first point for China in the Men's doubles. Cai Yun took the advantage of his service, affecting the opposing pair's rhythm. The Chinese duo put the host team in front 1-0.

The second point was not as easy. In women's singles, Chinese Wang Yihan came from 4-12 behind to beat Mayu Sekiya 22-20 in the second set for a 21-14, 22-20 victory.