HORSENS, Denmark, May 1 (Xinhua) -- World champion Shi Yuqi returned and defending champion China breezed past Malaysia 3-0 to reach the semifinals of the Thomas Cup here on Friday.
Shi, who withdrew from the second group match on Monday due to acute gastroenteritis, defeated Leong Jun Hao 21-10, 16-21, 21-9.
"Up to now, I haven't fully recovered yet, but I'm doing my best to adjust and gradually get back to full condition," world No. 1 Shi said after the 67-minute contest.
"As the match went on, my physical condition and energy level did drop, which is related to the illness I had a few days ago. I felt a bit groggy during that period."
"I also felt that the changes in my opponent's pace put me under a lot of pressure. At times, I was a bit passive - I ended up feeding the shuttle into his preferred shots, which allowed him to play more comfortably," the 30-year-old added.
In the doubles, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang defeated Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 24-22, 21-14 in 35 minutes.
"We didn't make too many specific plans for any possible lineup changes from other teams. The key for us was to play our own game and find our rhythm. Once we knew that we would step on the court, we prepared and responded at our own pace," Wang said.
In the second singles match, Li Shifeng beat Justin Hoh 21-14, 21-13 in 44 minutes.
"The matches will only get tougher, with stronger opponents ahead. I'll take it point by point and fight for every point," Li said.
China will face the winner between host Denmark and Thailand in the semifinal. ■
