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More determination and improved fighting spirit helped carry Indonesia's squad of youngsters a step further in mixed team event of the Asian Youth Under-19 Championships.

After losing to China in the quarterfinals in last year’s tournament, the national team’s young shuttlers improved their showing by advancing to this year’s semifinals with a 3-0 defeat of South Korea, at Juara Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. It faces a rematch against China today in the last four.

“They have all showed outstanding fighting spirit since the first day. They played all out, more relaxed and more confident. I think that’s the winning key,” Indonesia coach Rony Agustinus told the Jakarta Globe in a phone interview.

Mixed doubles pair Ricky Karanda Suwandi and Della Destiara Haris earned Indonesia's first victory over Korea after defeating Kang Ji-wook and Choi Hye-in, 13-21, 21-18, 21-16.

Evert Sukamta doubled the country’s lead with a 21-19, 21-14 win over Kim Min-ki in the boys singles match.

Jones Ralfi Jansen and Dandi Prabudita sealed Indonesia’s victory and a berth in the semifinals with a 21-18, 21-12 defeat of Kang Ji-wook and Choi Seung-il in boys doubles.

China, last year’s runner-up, poses a tougher talk in today’s semifinals. China earned a bye in the quarterfinals after finishing atop of Group A.

Rony hopes Indonesia’s youngsters can repeat the performances today that they put forth while beating the Koreans.

“China has better quality players than Korea. Hopefully our team can put forth better performances to advance to the final,” he said. The other semifinal features Malaysia, the host and defending champion, against Thailand.

Malaysia advanced to the knockout round after being awarded a bye in the quarterfinals, while Thailand overcame India 3-1 to reach the last four.

Indonesia cruised into the quarterfinals after sweeping its matches against both teams in Group E qualifying. The first 5-0 win came against Mongolia on Sunday, while it claimed the second by defeating Vietnam 5-0 in Monday’s morning session.

Against Vietnam, Jones and Dandi triumphed 21-16, 21-10 over Nguyen Khac Tuan and Pham Hai Nam. In girls singles Renna Suwarno beat Vu Thi Trang, 21-14, 16-21, 21-15, and Riyanto Subagja made it 3-0 with a 21-16, 21-9 win over Huynh Vinh.

Tiara Rosalia Nuraidah and Gebby Ristiyani Imawan defeated Pham Nhu Thao and Nguyen Le Thu, 21-12, 21-9 in girls doubles, and Della and Ricky completed the sweep of Vietnam with a 21-17, 21-11 win over Nguyen Huynh Thong Thao and Trang.