The Malaysians, ranked world No 12, lost 21-16, 14-21, 17-21 in a hard-fought match that lasted one hour and 12 minutes at the Olympics Sports Centre Gymnasium in Changzhou.

The first game proved to be a roller-coaster with the two pairs exchanging the lead a few times before the Malaysians raced to a 11-9 lead.

Soon Huat-Shevon continued the momentum after the break, extending their lead to five points at 17-12 but unforced errors saw the Chinese pair reduce the gap to two.

However, the Malaysians held on to win the game 21-16 in just 20 minutes.

Soon Huat-Shevon started the second game with more confidence racing to a 5-0 lead but were again let down by errors which saw the Chinese duo get four straight points.

It was a close contest thereafter as the teams entered the break 11-10 in favour of the home pair.

The Malaysians had their work cut out for them after Yan Zhe-Dong Ping increased their lead to seven points before taking the game 21-14 in 23 minutes.

The rubber game saw another close fight with the two pairs going neck-and-neck. The Chinese pair led 7-6 before the Malaysians took the lead for the first time at 8-7.

However, it was a shortlived joy for the Malaysian supporters in the crowd as Yan Zhe-Dong Ping went into the break with a 11-9 lead.

They soon extended their lead to 20-11, and overcame a gallant fight back from Soon Huat-Shevon to win 21-17 in 29 minutes and clinch the BWF Super 1000 title.