China beats India 5-0 to enter Thomas Cup knockout phase

BANGKOK -- China advanced to the knockout stage of the BWF Thomas Cup here on Tuesday, beating India 5-0 in their last Group A match.

Olympic champion Chen Long eased past Indian player Prannoy H.S. 21-9, 21-9 in the first singles.

"I feel I am in good condition today, and I can win it smoothly," Chen Long said after the match.

For the first doubles, Zhang Nan/Liu Cheng beat Indian duo Arjun M.R./Ramchandran Shlok 21-12, 21-15.

Chinese rising star Shi Yuqi beat Sai Praneeth 21-9, 15-21, 21-12 in the second singles.

Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen then beat Arun George/Sanyam Shukla 21-15, 20-22, 21-15, and former superstar Lin Dan rallied to tame Lakshya Sen 16-21, 21-9, 21-8.

Talking about the aim of winning the Thomas Cup, Lin said, "We don't have much advantage and everyone should play the best."

France crushed Australia 5-0 and stepped into the knockout stage with China from Group A.