The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Beijing

Indonesia's world champions Liliyana Natsir and Nova Widianto secured semi-final spots in the badminton mixed doubles today, downing Thailand's Prapakamol Sudket and Thoungthongkam Saralee.

The top seeds were pushed in the second game of their quarter-final before overcoming the Thais 21-13, 21-19 to keep their medal chances alive.

The Indonesians are steeling themselves for a tough fight against China's fourth seeds He Hanbin and Yu Yang in the semi-finals on Saturday.

The Chinese fought off a ferocious challenge from Poland's Nadiezda Kostiuczyk and Robert Mateusiak before stumbling over the line 22-20, 23-21 in their quarter-final.

In a tense encounter, China were penalised one point after He moved into the net before Mateusiak had served, a ruling that brought thunderous boos from the crowd and agitated protests from both Chinese players. He acknowledged afterwards that maintaining their cool was crucial in the high pressure match.