A stuttering performance from overwhelming title favourites China was good enough for a 3-1 win over South Korea and a third straight Uber Cup women's team crown here today.But the Koreans went down fighting in what was billed as their "mission impossible" against their all-conquering hosts at Tianhe stadium.Despite Kim Kyeung Ran's defeat of Chinese number one Zhou Mi in the epic first match, the shocked Chinese were able to recover their composure to clinch the coveted trophy after a gruelling three-hour, 45-minute showdown.Stung into action, All England Champions and world number one pairing Gao Ling and Huang Sui levelled the tie with a hard-fought victory over South Koreans Ra Kyung Min and Lee Kyung Won 7-4, 2-7, 7-1, 5-7, 7-1.The world number four ranked Koreans gave it their all in a tight match as they bravely took the fight to Chinese pair and held their own in the rapid-fire exchanges at the net, but they eventually ran out of steam to go down in five games. The darling of Chinese badminton, Gong Ruina, then ripped through the resistance of Kwon Hee Sook in four games, dictating the rallies with precision of shots from the back of the court, to give the champions a precious 2-1 lead.Chinese duo Yang Wei and Huang Nanyan, so often in the shadows of their more illustrious doubles team-mates Gao Ling and Huang Sui, finally enjoyed their moment in the limelight as they hauled their relieved team over the finish line to spark jubilant scenes of celebration. (PTI)
Third straight Uber Cup for China
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