China retains Thomas Cup

Chinese players celebrate their victory against South Korea in the final of Thomas Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 18, 2008. China won the third consecutive Thomas Cup after defeating South Korea 3-1. (Photo credit: Xinhua)Photo Gallery>>JAKARTA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions China retained Thomas Cup here Sunday night after thrashing tough South Korea 3-1in the final at Bung Karno Sports Hall.

China had a tougher start with Lin Dan dropping a game against Park Sung Hwan. But the world's No. 1 came from behind, using more of his jump smashes to take the lead and win 10-21, 21-18, 21-8.

Doubles pair Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng fell to their South Korean rivals Jung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae 23-25, 16-21.

Singles player Bao Chunlai beat Lee Hyun Il 28-26, 21-11 to give China a 2-1 lead.

China's second doubles Xie Zhongbo and Guo Zhendong crushed Lee Jae Jin and Hwang Ji Man 21-12, 19-21, 21-12 to seal a final victory for China.

In a news briefing after the match, South Korea's team manager Kim Jong-Soo said that it is the first time for his team to advance to the Thomas Cup final. "If Park Sung Hwan beat Lin Dan, things might be different. Park's loss really gave his teammates great pressure. But later we were expecting our second doubles to win, but unfortunately they lost."

He said China's players performed much better today, hoping his squad will have a good performance in the Beijing Olympic Games.