Powerhouse China, the heavy favorites, were roundly beaten 3-0 by Japan in the most stunning upset at the ongoing Thomas Cup in New Delhi.

The unexpected defeat sent China crashing out of the finals. It is the first time the Chinese have failed to reach the finals since 2002. China was aiming for its sixth straight men's title before Japan put a sudden end to that ambition.

Like Us on Facebook

The tone for this forgettable day for China began when world number two Chen Long was ground down 21-13, 21-11 by the unrestrained and vigorous attacks of Kenichi Tago.

Instead of leveling the score, the doubles tandem of Chai Biao and Hong Wei lost a tightly fought match to Kenichi Hayakawa and Hiroyuki Endo, 20-22, 19-21.

Japan finished off the defending champions when Kento Momota, the 2012 world junior champion, gallantly fought back from a game down to beat Du Pengyu, 23-25, 21-18, 21-14.

Japan stands assured of at least a silver medal and awaits the winner of the tie between Malaysia and Indonesia to play for the crown. China will go home with the bronze medal.

Team Japan's coach Park Joo-Bong from South Korea said the win was actually unexpected.

Park said everyone in the team was surprised at the result, particularly about how Momota triumphed in the second singles versus Du. If Japan did not win the match, the tie could have resulted to a game with Lin Dan to win the third singles.

Japan will either face Indonesia or Malaysia in the finals match on Sunday.

Despite the exit of their men's team, China stands a better-than-even chance of again taking home the Uber Cup for women. The Chinese women defeated Korea 3-0 to book their place in the finals. They will take on the winner will of the India versus Japan semi-final to play for the title.

World's top badminton player Li Xuerui registered a spotless 21-11, 21-19 victory against Sung Ji Hyun, with Tang Jinhua and Bao Yixin working together for the doubles victory, and world No. 2 Wang Shixian winning the difficult match 21-13, 16-21, 21-10 against Bae Ju-Yeon.

China Women will either face Japan or India in the final round of Saturday.