In Macao, the Asian Championships featured the men's team final on Friday, with China meeting Japan. A victory could help China take a 7th men's team Asian Championships in a row.

Zhang Jike faced Koki Niwa in the opening contest. The reigning world champion has been a little bit of a slow starter lately. Bothered by Koki's service, Zhang lost the first game 11-9.

Zhang regrouped in the second game. His forehand attacks proved to be too much for the Japanese - Zhang, winning three straight games to take the match 3-1 to get China off to a solid start.

Next into the arena came Ma Lin to face Jun Mizutani. Ma Lin made the better start and established an early lead with the opening game win. However, in the second game it was Jun Mizutani who led throughout; at 10-9 he held game point. But Ma Lin won three points in a row to secure the game. Ma went on to take the third game, giving China a 2-nil lead.

The third game pitted Ma Long against Kenta Matsudaira. Ma made the better start in the first game. But the 20-year-old Japanese star responded - both holding game points and saving game points before Ma Long emerged successful.

Then Ma, took over the match and beat Kenta in straight games. China - beating Japan 3-0 to claim their 7th straight Asian Men's Team Championships.

(CNTV.cn February 27, 2012)