China remain on course for the successful defence of their BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships title ©BWF

China remain on course for the successful defence of their Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Junior Mixed Team Championships title after the top seeds overcame Chinese Taipei to reach the semi-finals at the Bilbao Arena in Spain.

The Asian nation moved a step closer to claiming their 11th triumph with a 3-0 win against their opponents.

Seasoned doubles player Du Yue, who played for China at last year’s Championships in Peru’s capital Lima, said his country still recalls missing out on the 2013 title after losing to Indonesia in the semi-finals and wants to ensure that does not happen again.

"We are doing our best to win all our matches for our country," said Du, who was victorious in mixed doubles today with He Jiting.

Next up for China is a meeting tomorrow with Japan, who registered a 3-0 win over Denmark today.

Malaysia booked their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Indonesia ©BWF
Malaysia booked their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Indonesia ©BWF

The other last-four encounter pits Thailand against Malaysia after both nations came through their quarter-final ties.

Having beaten Germany 3-0 in play-off H1, number two seeds Thailand went on to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory over India.

Malaysia, meanwhile, beat Czech Republic 3-0 in play-off E1 before overcoming Indonesia 3-1 in the last eight. 

Indonesia had earlier caused a upset by defeating South Korea 3-0 in play-off F1. 

"It’s a dilemma for us," said South Korea team manager Pyo Sun Ho. 

"The result is a pity. 

"We expected to win against Indonesia but it depends on our players and how they perform.

"The other juniors are getting better, but we should be better also."

The team event is scheduled to conclude on Sunday (November 6) after which the individual event takes centre stage from November 8 to 13.