The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, China

China moved in for the kill at the world team table tennis championships here Friday, slaying Hong Kong 3- 0 to reach the women's final.

China, boasting the world's top five players, proved too powerful for Hong Kong whose paddlers offered little resistance in a lacklustre semifinal.

Hong Kong's Jiang Hua Jan, who moved from China to play for Hong Kong in 2005, staged a fight in the opener, taking one set off Guo Yue, before the world champion steadied to wrap up the match.

China coach Shi Zhihao said he was satisfied with the performance of his charges and singled out Singapore as their toughest opponents.

China, undefeated at these worlds since 1993, face in the final either Japan or Singapore who play their semi showdown later today.

Hong Kong coach Li Huifen said although she was not making excuses, her team had been unlucky at the worlds, placed in a tough grouping that left her players exhausted by the time they faced China.

"We are very unlucky to face China in the semis, if it was another team then we would probably have advanced to the finals," said Li.

Hong Kong have faced China in the final of the last two worlds, losing both clashes.

China are using these championships as a warm-up for the Beijing Olympics this year when they are expected to sweep up the golds on offer.

The men also take to the tables later Friday for the quarter- finals.