Traditional powers China, South Korea and Malaysia had secured their semi berths on Saturday as winners of three groups, leaving runners-up Indonesia, Thailand and Japan to vie for the last semifinal berth on Sunday.

Against two weaker rivals, Indonesia needed a little effort to sweep them. After beating Shoji Sato from Japan in straight sets this morning, Indonesian top shuttler Taufik Hidayat said that "I just played slowly because I want to save my energy for this afternoon."

Against his Thai opponent in the afternoon, the Athens Olympic champion won the match in an easier way even beyond his expectation.

Taufik led 6-2 in the first set when Thai top player Boonsak Ponsana came to the net and said a few words to him. Then both of the players picked up their racket bags and stepped out of the court.

Taufik told reporters that Ponsana said he was ill and decided to give up.

Afterwards, Indonesian doubles top pair Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan overcame Phattapol Ngensrisuk and Nattaphon Nakthong 21-18, 21-19 before Simon Santoso, who blew off Chinese newbie Chen Jin on Saturday, came from one set down to win over Poompat Sapkulchananart 19-21, 21-10 and 21-14 for an invincible 3-0 lead for Indonesia.

Therefore, Indonesia abandoned the remaining two matches, which were later awarded to Thailand for an overall 3-2 victory.

Indonesian is slated to lock horn with arch rival China again in the semifinals on Monday. In the group session, China beat Indonesia to grab the first semifinal place.

Taufik is going to take another showdown with world champion Lin Dan, who triumphed over him 21-17, 17-21 and 21-16 in their first encounter in Doha.

Malaysia and South Korea are going to clash in another semifinal battle on Monday.