DEFENDING champions China may have found themselves a new men's singles star in Li Shifeng.
The 21-year-old rose to the occasion on the big stage as he delivered the winning point in China's 3-0 victory over Thailand in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup in Aarhus, Denmark yesterday.
The world No 65 was hardly fazed by the form of 23rd-ranked Kunlavut Vitidsarn as he defeated the Thai 21-13, 17-21, 21-7 at the Ceres Arena.
China drew first blood when world No 10 Shi Yuqi whipped Kantaphon Wangcharoen 21-14, 21-17 before men's pair He jiting-Zhou Haodong doubled it by beating Supak Jomkoh-Kittinupong Kedren 21-10, 21-18.
It was an excellent victory for the 10-time winners who are in a rebuilding phase.
"I'm definitely happy to be out there getting the win because Kunlavut is my junior rival, and I've always wanted to play against him," said Shifeng.
"I prepared well today, and I played well too.
"I did get a little overeager in the second game and made some mistakes, but I managed to turn it around in the third game.
"So far, it has been a very good run for us as we are a young team.
"But we also have some seniors, so it has been a good experience."
China play Japan, who edged South Korea 3-2, in the semi-finals today.
