China retain Sudirman Cup

Kuala: The Chinese badminton team successfully defended its Sudirman Cup title with a convincing 3-0 victory over South Korea in the final here Sunday, winning the competition for the fifth successive time.

World No.1 Xu Chen/Ma Jin led China to a 1-0 lead defeating their South Korean opponents Ko Sung Hyun/Kim Ha Na 21-13, 21-15 in the mixed doubles, reports Xinhua. In the following men`s singles, Chen Long gave Lee Dong Keun no chance and won 21-15, 21-10 in 47 minutes. In the third match, the men`s doubles pair of Liu Xiaolong/Qiu Zihan stunned the South Korean aces Ko Sung Hyun/Lee Yong Dae 21-19, 21-17 to seal the victory for China. China and South Korea are the two major competitors at Sudirman Cup since the tournament was first held in 1989. China have lifted the Cup eight times while South Korea thrice. The two teams reached Sunday`s final defeating Denmark and Thailand, respectively. China`s head coach Li Yongbo said he didn`t expect a straight win. Li said Chinese players like hard-fought victories and the shuttlers from other countries should try harder in order to pose a greater challenge for them. IANS