Defending champions Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng of China entered the men's doubles final of China Masters by beating South Korea's Sung Hyun Ko and Yeon Seong Yoo 26-24, 21-18 in a close repeat of the world championship final on Saturday.

The South Korean pair, though lost to Cai and Fu in straight games at last month's worlds final, had a better start this time, gaining two game points in the first game, but Cai and Fu took the competition into their control by scoring three points in a row.

The scoreline went point for point amid thunderous cheers and applause until the two sides levelled at 24-24 before Cai and Fu took the first game 26-24.

The second game also saw both pairs unfold their high-speed attacks in style, but the more experienced Chinese again took three consecutive points after 18-18, and secured the victory 21-18.

Cai and Fu increased the head-to-head against Sung and Yeon to 6-0. However, Fu still reckoned that this opponents were difficult to beat. "Because since they teamed up, they have achieved some good results, but never beat us, so when facing us, they always put out all they have."

Cai and Fu will face either Jae Sung Jung and Yong Dae Lee of South Korea or Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen of Denmark in the final.

"After the worlds, we are not in the best form," said Cai, "the training was a bit relaxed, but we are confident on the court, that's why we always come from behind to win."

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