Black Wednesday for Chinese shuttlers
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-08-19 06:49

The loss of its women's singles topseed and men's singles second seed in the badminton tournament made Wednesday the darkest day for the Chinese shuttlers at the Athens Olympic Games.

Chen Hong, the last hope of winning the men's singles gold for China, falling under the jinx of nervousness, made too many unforced errors in the game against Shon Seung Mo from South Korea,and lost the second and third sets 4-15, 10-15 after winning the first one 15-10.

While the once powerful Indonesian shuttlers revived after a long-time stagnancy, with Taufik Hidayak and Soni Dwi Kuncoro guaranteeing two berths in semi-finals.

In the first quarter-final match of men's singles in the Olympic tournament, Taufik overcame his feud Peter Gade of Denmark,who holds a 6-1 lead in their seven encounters before, with a 15-12, 15-12 win.

"My object is to win, win, win," said Taufik, the Indonesia badminton genius who slumped in last two years, saying with strongconfidence that he now is the favorite for the gold.

His compatriot, younger Soni Dwi who is seeded No.8, met strong resistance from Park Tae Sang of South Korea in the first set by lagging behind 6-13. However, he fought back and made his way to triumph 15-13 and 15-4.

The last berth of semi-finals was occupied by a dark horse from Thailand, Boonsak Ponsana, world ranking No. 21st.

The 22-year old Thai humiliated Singapore's Ronald Susilo 15-10,15-1 who earned the title of "darkest horse" after beating top seed Lin Dan of China in the first round.

In women's singles, World champion Gong Ruina was humiliated 4-11, 2-11 by former Indonesian genius Mia Audina in a semi-final, who regained her best form since Atlanta Olympic Games.

Gong, top seed of the Olympic badminton tournament, found no winning chance in the match, totally controlled by Mia, who plays on behalf of the Netherlands.

"I've never been in a good form like this," said Mia, attributing her success to the power of God.

In another semi-final between Chinese shuttlers, world championZhang Ni beat Zhou Mi, No. 3 seed in the tournament 11-6, 11-4, booking a berth in the final to be held tomorrow.

In mixed doubles, Nathen Robertson/Gail Emms at last fulfilled the dream of Britain for a badminton medal in the Olympic Games by upsetting Jonas Rasmussen/Rikke Olsen 15-6, 15-12 in the semi-final.

"It is just amazing to enter the final," said Emms, whose face was shined with excitement, adding that she never thought about this before the Olympics.

In another semi-final, defending champions Zhang Jun/Gao Ling left no chance for another Danish pair Jens Eriksen/Mette Schjoldager to steal their victory, winning the match 15-9, 15-5.

Since the world No.1 Kim Dong Moon/Ra Kyung Min were kicked outof semi-finals Monday, Zhang/Gao was regarded as the favorites for the gold medal of mixed doubles.

Three pairs of Chinese women's doubles entered the semi-finals by beating their respective rivals, igniting the hope of pocketing three medals in the discipline.