All-Chinese clash for semi-final

Wang Jie (pictured) and partner Tian Jia eased into the semi-finals

China's Tian Jia and Wang Jie will play compatriots Zhang Xi and Xue Chen in the beach volleyball semi-final.

Jia/Jie beat Austrian sisters Doris and Stephanie Schwaiger 21-12, 21-12, while Xi and Chen saw off Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs of the US 21-17 21-13.

In the other semi-final, defending champions Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor of the US will face Renata Ribeiro and Talita of Brazil.

Walsh and May-Trainor beat Brazilians Ana Paula and Larissa 21-18, 21-15.

China's previous best finish at an Olympics was ninth, achieved by Tian and her then partner Wang Fei four years ago.