Members of China's men's table tennis team (from L) Chen Qi, Ma Long, Wang Liqin, coach Liu Guoliang, Wang Hao and Ma Lin pose with their trophy on the podium after beating South Korea in the men's final of the World Team Table Tennis Championships in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou March 2, 2008. [Agencies]
China's men's table tennis team including coach Liu Guoliang (L), players Wang Hao (2nd L), Chen Qi (C) and Wang Liqin (R) celebrate after beating South Korea in the men's final of the World Team Table Tennis Championships in the southern city of Guangzhou March 2, 2008. [Agencies]
China's Ma Lin returns ball in the match with South Korea's Ryu Seung-min during the men's final of the World Team Table Tennis Championships in the southern city of Guangzhou March 2, 2008. [Agencies]
China's Wang Hao reacts after winning a point over South Korea's Lee Jung-woo during the men's final of the World Team Table Tennis Championships in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou March 2, 2008. Wang is also awarded as Male Player of the World Team Table Tennis Championships. [Xinhua]
China's Wang Liqin reacts after winning a point over South Korea's Joo Se Hyuk during the men's final of the World Team Table Tennis Championships in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou March 2, 2008. [Xinhua]
China claimed the men's team title at the world team table tennis championships after storming over the ambitious South Korea on Sunday.
It is the 16th Swaything Cup, or the fourth in a row, that the star-studded Chinese team has lifted.
Viewed as the most powerful squad, China hardly came across serious challenge as it eased past all rivals in the week-long tournament.
China took initiative of the playoff with world No. 2 Ma Lin playing smartly to overcame Olympic champion Ryu Seung Min 3-1 in the first outing.
Ryu said earlier that he'd like to take on Wang Hao in the final to satisfy Chinese people. Wang lost to Ryu in the Athens Olympic Games but never again since.
Wang Hao, the newly crowned World Cup champion, met hard resistance from 39th-ranked Lee Jung Woo but managed to control the competition before prevailing 3-1.
Top-class chopper Joo Se Hyuk barely built up any threat to veteran Wang Liqin, who played a heavy topspin game to score a quick win, completing a 3-0 sweep for the Chinese team.
South Korea, who finished runner-up at the last worlds, has proven its strength by brushing aside formidable Germany and ousted Japan in quarter and semifinals.
Liu Guoliang, head coach of the Chinese team, has mentioned Ryu and Joo for their impressive play, saying they are in very good shape.
