KUALA LUMPUR: China made the most out of Ratchanok Intanon's injury to blank Thailand 3-0 and reach the final of the Uber Cup.
World No 6 Ratchanok had only recently rejoined the Thai team after taking some time off following her mother's death.
But the former world champion's return was quickly cut short as she suffered a shoulder injury and retired whilst trailing 2-5 in the first game against Olympic gold medallist Chen Yufei.
With the Thai's plans thrown into disarray, world No 2 Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan pressed their advantage in first doubles and scored a comprehensive 21-15, 21-10 win over scratch pair Rawinda Prajongjai-Puttita Suparajikul.
"I think we played better than the previous day and we've been making adjustments to our game so we are quite pleased with our performance," said Qingchen.
"Of course, it was a little surprising that we were called out onto court so early and we had to speed up our warm-ups.
"But we're happy to win because we want to contribute a point for the team, especially since we know we have to play in pretty much every game."
In the second singles, world No 9 He Bingjiao duly sealed the win for China by overcoming world No 10 Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-15, 21-16.
It is an excellent result for China who erased their disappointment of failing to reach the final at the 2018 edition when they lost 3-2 to Thailand in the semi-finals.
China, who are also the most successful Uber Cup team in history, will look to win a record 14th title when they face defending champions Japan in the final.
Japan, who are without several injured stars, were made to work before beating South Korea 3-1 in the other semi-final.
The Koreans had stormed into the lead after 19-year-old world No 8 An Seyoung stunned world No 5 Akane Yamaguchi 21-14, 21-7 in first singles.
Japan, however, rallied with scratch pair Yuki Fukushima-Maya Matsumoto edging world No 4 Lee So Hee-Shin Seung Chan 19-21, 21-16, 21-14.
Sayaka Takahashi then battled to an 18-21, 21-18, 21-14 win over Kim Gaeun before Misaki Matsutomo-Nami Matsuyama delivered the winning point with a 21-17, 21-18 win over world No 5 Kim So Yeong-Kong Hee Yong.
