Top seed Zhang Ning set up a showcase semifinal against third seed Zhu Lin at Beijing International Badminton Tournament on Friday.

 

The Athens gold medalist Zhang Ning needed 30 minutes to complete a convincing 21-16, 21-16 quarterfinal win over her compatriot and seventh-seeded Liu Jian.

 

"She is a very good player and had won national championships before but I didn't take much time to win the match," said Zhang Ning after the match.

 

Newly crowned world champion and third seed Zhu Lin gave full play to her experience and variation of shots as she covered the court efficiently in beating her Chinese compatriot Liu Xin 21-14, 21-15 in 34 minutes.

 

On Saturday, Zhu lin, who lifted her first title at the Kuala Lumpur World Badminton Championships, will play world No.1 Zhang Ning at semifinals.

 

"We are very familiar with each other (Zhu Lin) and I will take every match seriously," said Zhang Ning.

 

"It's not the result but the process counts since I can learn a lot from her. Anyway, I am confident," said Zhu Lin.

 

Whether the 23-year-old player has the talent to replace the 32-year-old veteran is still needs to be seen, however, their clash would be definitely a brilliant one for their own faithful fans.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2007)