Timo Boll cruised past Joo Se Hyuk in straight games in their quarter-final as the German set up a mouth-watering all-European semi-final tie with Vladimir Samsonov on Sunday.

Boll started like an express train, racing to an 8-0 lead with brilliant consistent attacking play against the defensive strokes of Hyuk. This resulted in a comfortable 11-4 opening game and a confident start for the top German.

The second game was closer at the start with Hyuk combining both his defensive play with increasing attacking opportunities as he forced Boll into mistakes at 6-6. However, the German again proved his prowess against defensive players as he won five of the next six points to win the game and open up a 2-0 lead.

A slightly defeated-looking Hyuk tried to vary his play in the third game but once again the two-time World Cup Champion was in control of proceedings as he maintained a lead throughout the game before eventually sealing it 11-8.

A truly efficient performance was capped off in the fourth game by Boll with a comprehensive 11-4 game to secure his semi-final place and a match up with Samsonov. Between them they have won five previous Men’s World Cups – one of them will get the chance of a sixth on Sunday afternoon.

Timo Boll (GER) bt Joo Se Hyuk (KOR) 4-0 (11-4, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4)