China lose to Japan in Thomas Cup badminton semi

China's Chen Long returns a shot to Thailand's Boonsak Ponsana during their men's singles quarter-final match in the Thomas Cup badminton championship in New Delhi May 22, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW DELHI - Japan pulled off a huge upset at the Thomas Cup badminton tournament when they beat five-time defending champion China 3-0 in the semifinals here on Friday.

It is the first time that Japan make it to the final at the biennial team event.

World No. 4 Kenichi Tago scored an easy 21-13, 21-11 win over world No. 2 Chen Long in 43 minutes.

Kenichi Hayakawa and Hiroyuki Endo then won the doubles match against Hong Wei and Chai Biao, before Kento Momoto defeated world No.6 Du Pengyu 23-25, 21-18, 21-14 to seal the victory for Japan.

"The Japanese shuttlers played in high spirits today, which is the key to their victory," said Chinese head coach Li Yongbo.

However, the China women, featuring the world's top three players, made the final of the Uber Cup with a 3-0 victory over South Korea.