South Korea reach Uber Cup final

WUHAN, China (AFP) –

Kim Min-Jung (left) and Ha Jung-Eun of South Korea compete against Mizuki Fujii and Reika Kakiiwa of Japan during their semi final match at the Uber Cup world badminton team championships in Wuhan. Reigning champions South Korea powered into the women’s Uber Cup final in Wuha, beating Japan 3-0 to set up a likely rematch with China, who they dramatically dethroned two years ago.

Reigning champions South Korea powered into the women’s Uber Cup final in Wuhan Thursday, beating Japan 3-0 to set up a likely rematch with China, who they dramatically dethroned two years ago.

World number 11 Sung Ji-Hyun wrapped up a quick first win in the women’s singles 21-15, 21-10, making clear she has a strong outside chance of a medal at the London Olympics in July, where China’s women are expected to dominate.

In December, the promising South Korean beat world number one Wang Yihan in the World Superseries Finals and she will likely face the Chinese star shuttler in the first singles match of the Uber Cup final on Saturday.

“I have to be confident, patient, not fight too hard or I will lose,” said the 20-year-old about her next match. “If I believe in myself then I can win.”

The victory takes South Korea to their second consecutive Uber Cup final and keeps alive their hopes of defending their crown on China’s home territory.

The hot favourites to win back badminton’s world team championships are in action tonight against Thailand, while the men’s Thomas Cup takes a rest day before the semi-finals on Friday.