China who are gunning for their 12th title in the biennial tournament, won 3-0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the championships, regarded as the World Cup of badminton.

The defending champions took the lead when Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao, the world No 25, fell to his fourth straight loss in his singles matches in the tournament.

However, he put up a much improved display compared to his three opening ties in the group stage. After going behind in the first game by 10-21 to world No 1 Shu Yu Qi, Jun Hao came back to defeat Yu Qi 21-16 in the second game before losing 9-21 in the third game.

World No 2 pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who were expected to win a point for Malaysia to keep their chances alive, went down to 5th ranked pair Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang 22-24, 14-21 in a match that lasted 35 minutes.

Malaysia’s second singles player Justin Hoh could not stop the Chinese stampede as the world No 44 lost to 7th ranked Li Shi Feng 14-21, 10-21 in 45 minutes.

Malaysia’s 34-year wait for the Thomas Cup to come home continues.