China re-emphasized its status as a giant in the table tennis world after the men's team defeated arch-rival South Korea 3-0 yesterday to win the World Team Championship title in Bremen, Germany.

It is the country's 15th world team championship since 1961 and the fifth victory at the tournament in 11 years.

They also made it a double celebration for millions of Chinese fans after the all-conquering women's team defeated China Hong Kong 3-1 to pocket their 16th world title on Sunday.

"The victory is incredible," said Wang Liqin, who was undefeated all week. "It's a hard match as we are so familiar with each other. I think it's our stable mentality that helps us win the tough games."

Defending champions China, who outclassed home favorites Germany 3-1 in the semi-finals on Sunday, were led in fine fashion by world No 3 Wang Hao and Wang Liqin, the world No 1 and World Singles' Championship titlist in Shanghai last year.
Wang Hao got China off to a comfortable start amid 13,500 fans, beating world No 9 Oh Sang-eun 3-0 (11-6, 11-8, 11-4).

Wang Liqin, who had won two matches against Germany in the semis, looked troubled with Athens singles gold medallist Ryu Seung-min as he had to overcome a 1-2 deficit before enlarging China's lead by beating Ryu 11-8, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7.

In the final match, World No 4 Ma Lin eased past Lee Jun-woo 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-7).
Germany and China Hong Kong shared third place in the men's event.

(China Daily May 2, 2006)