South Korea, who engineered the Thomas Cup quarter-final they wanted by fielding below strength teams at the group stage, almost had their ploy foiled on Wednesday.

The Koreans trailed 2-0 against European champions Denmark after defeats in the first singles and doubles only to race back and win 3-2. The victory was sealed in the final rubber when Shon Seung-mo beat Jan Jorgensen 21-11, 21-9.

The Koreans sparked controversy at the group stage by contriving to lose two matches to set up a playoff on Tuesday with Canada, a minor badminton power, and avoid hosts Indonesia and the might of China until the latter stages.

For now the ploy has worked and the Koreans meet Indonesia in Friday’s semi-finals after the Indonesians earlier breezed past England 3-0.

The other semi will be between six-times winners China and Malaysia after China beat Thailand 3-0 and Malaysia overcame Japan by the same scoreline.

China dominant

China, seeking a third Thomas Cup title in a row, fielded a strong team, headed by world champion Lin Dan who eased past Boonsak Ponsana 21-15, 21-14.

After a Chinese victory in the doubles, world No 3 Bao Chunlai clinched the tie with a 21-14, 21-11 success over Poompat Sapkulchananart.

The Chinese women, seeking a sixth Uber Cup crown in succession, trailed 2-1 against the Netherlands in their quarter-final but their two experienced doubles teams saw them safely home at 3-2.