SAINA Nehwal took world No. 1 Wang Yihan to the distance but it was otherwise smooth sailing for China as they reached the Uber Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 win over India last night.

Saina was on the verge of pulling off a major upset over the 2009 All-England champion when she reached 18-all in the deciding game but was let down by her netplay. Yihan eventually pulled through 14-21, 21-11, 21-18 in 56 minutes.

China quickly snatched their second point after the world No. 1 doubles pair of Ma Jin-Wang Xiaoli beat Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa 21-8, 21-11 in 27 minutes.

Second singles player Wang Xin sealed victory for China with a clinical 21-10, 21-14 win over Sayali Gokhale.