China took the opening point after world No 1 men’s singles player Shi Yu Qi defeated world No 4 Christo Popov 21-16, 16-21, 21-17 in an 85-minute battle.

France responded in style through their second singles and world No 10 Alex Lanier, who upset world No 7 Li Shi Feng 21-13, 21-10 in 43 minutes to level the tie 1-1.

However, the Asian team wrestled back control in the third match, with third singles and world No 15 Weng Hong Yang digging deep to edge world No 17 Toma Junior Popov 22-20, 20-22, 21-19 in a tense 96-minute battle.

World No 99 men’s doubles pair He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu stepped up to deliver the knockout blow by prevailing against world No 52 Eloi Adam-Leo Rossi.

After taking the first set 21-13, the Chinese pair wrapped it up 21-16, with Ji Ting’s delicate net shot dropping in to seal China’s 12th Thomas Cup title.