China's second seed Chen Long created the shock of the World Superseries Finals on Saturday in Liuzhou as he knocked out defending champion and world number one Lee Chong Wei, 21-16, 16-21, 21-18. Lee's rivalry with Chinese ace Lin Dan has been the focal point of this season and the two were expected to meet in the final on Sunday, but 22-year-old Chen put a stunning end to speculation about a rematch.
Instead, it will be an all-China final after "Super Dan" breezed past his long-time foe and Danish veteran Peter Gade in just over 40 minutes and two easy games, 21-12, 21-15. Chen was on top form as he sprayed 24 smashes past Lee - the same number as in his defeat over former Olympic Champion Taufik Hidayat - as well as 15 clean winners, in a contest lasting an hour and 19 minutes.
Lee, who has won all three editions of badminton's season finale, was a stronger performer at the net, with 14 winners against Chen's 8, but the second seed's smashes proved too good in the end. In women's singles semi-finals action, top seed Wang Yihan of China beat her compatriot Wang Xin in straight games 21-19, 21-16.