LEE Chong Wei stayed on course to secure a seventh Proton Malaysia Open title by annihilating China's young pretender Chen Long in the semi-finals at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Chong Wei never gave an inch as he registered a 21-9, 21-9 win over Chen Long, the World No 4, in 39 minutes to advance to the final.

Chen Long benefited from compatriot Lin Dan's withdrawal but Chong Wei's performance indicated that even the Olympic champion's presence would not have stopped him from going for a seventh title.

The match was so one-sided that Chong Wei was never under any pressure and even broke into a jig when he reached match point at 20-9.

Chong Wei will meet Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat, who defeated compatriot Simon Santoso 21-15, 21-19, in the final today.

Chong Wei's thumping win would have sent China coaches Xia Xuanze and Zhong Bo a clear message that their juniors are still not good enough to match him.

"I didn't expect an easy game. We cannot give junior players a chance to settle down as they can make life difficult and Chen Long is a good player," said Chong Wei.

"I wasn't trying to say anything to my rivals as I was prepared to face anyone in order to reach the final.

"I will meet a regular foe in the final and Taufik looks to be in better shape this time.

"I am looking forward to winning my seventh title and I will go all out in the final."

Taufik said Chong Wei seems to improving by the year and it is going to be a difficult task to beat him in the final.

"I have been losing to him in most meetings with last year's World Championships the exception. Chong Wei's performance is getting better all the time," said the 30-year-old Taufik.

Meanwhile, new combination Jonas Rasmussen-Mad Condrads Petersen of Denmark continued their giantkilling run when they defeated Japan's Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato 21-17, 22-20 in the last four.

Rasmussen-Petersen will meet Guo Zhendong-Chai Biao of China, who beat Indonesians Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano 21-15, 21-14, today.