Host China and Japan delivered commanding performances on Friday, securing their places in the semi-finals of the Sudirman Cup 2025 with identical 3-0 victories. Their dominant wins have set up a highly anticipated potential clash in the semi-finals scheduled for tomorrow.
China, the reigning champions, faced Malaysia on Court 1 and swept the tie in three decisive matches. Chen Yufei sealed China’s victory in the women’s singles after earlier wins in the mixed doubles and men’s singles by Shi Yuqi.
On Court 2, Japan mirrored China’s success with a clean 3-0 win against Taiwan. Hiroki Midorikawa and Arisa Igarashi secured the opening mixed doubles point, followed by a thrilling three-game victory for Koki Watanabe in the men’s singles. Japan clinched their semi-final spot in the subsequent women’s singles match.
With both badminton powerhouses securing comfortable victories, China and Japan are now on a collision course for a semi-final showdown on Saturday.
Further Quarter-Final Action Tonight:
The quarter-final action continues tonight with two more crucial matches. On Court 1, Indonesia, who topped Group D after a 4-1 win over Denmark, will face Thailand. Meanwhile, Court 2 will see Denmark battle it out against South Korea.
The winners of these evening matches will also advance to the semi-finals and will face each other on Saturday, setting the stage for an exciting penultimate day of competition at the Xiamen Fenghuang Gymnasium.
The Sudirman Cup, a prestigious mixed-team badminton championship, is reaching its climax, promising thrilling semi-final encounters as teams vie for a coveted spot in Sunday’s final.