China's men's team win 9th consecutive title at table tennis worlds

China's players and coach Liu Guozheng (2nd L) celebrate with a Chinese national flag after Men's group final between team China and team Germany at the 2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Halmstad, Sweden, May 6, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

HALMSTAD, Sweden - Defeating Germany 3-0, defending champions China claimed their ninth consecutive title at men's final of the 2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships on Sunday.

China, featuring veterans Ma Long, Xu Xin and world No1 Fan Zhendong, confronted the tournament's No 1 seed represented by world No 2 Timo Boll teamed with Ruwen Filus and Patrick Franziska.

The final started as China captain Ma took on Boll in the most critical opening match.