China's Chen stuns favourite Lee

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.

Chen 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 the other semi-final later today, "Super Dan" is up against long-time foe and Danish veteran Peter Gade.

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.

The $500,000 showdown featuring the top eight singles players and doubles pairs has reached the semi-finals stage and the finals will be played on Sunday.