China¡¯s Zhang Ning (L2) holds up the trophy atop a victory podium at the 2006 Uber Cup badminton tournament in Tokyo May 6, 2006. Title-holding China took the Uber Cup for the fifth time in a row here on Saturday with a 3-0 convincing victory over the Netherlands.

    TOKYO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Reigning champions China powered to a 3-0 victory over the Netherlands here on Saturday to take the title of the 2006 Uber Cup badminton championships.

    Led by the world top two shuttles Zhang Ning, Xie Xingfang as well as debutant Jiang Yanjiao, powerful China won the title for the fifth straight time in the prestigious world women's team event.

    "I must give thanks to the spectators here and my players and coaches," said Chinese head coach Li Yongbo. "Hopefully Chinese women's squad can keep the trophy for longer time."

    Li added that the Netherlands played well today, especially in the first two singles, but China deserved the victory for better performances.

    Martijn Van Dooremalen, team manager of the Netherlands, said that his team had done their best, making history by reaching the finals for the first time though failing to win one match against China.

    The opening match of the Uber Cup final was a repeat of the women's singles final at 2004 Athens Olympics.

    The 31-year-old Zhang Ning, world number one, took the first set by 21-18 and led at 19-16 in the second.

    But Mia Audina, two-time Olympic silver medalist, charged back and took five straight points to level the tie.

China's Zhang Ning returns the shuttle during a final match against Mia Audina Tjiptawan of the Netherlands at the 2006 Uber Cup badminton tournament in Tokyo, Japan, May 6, 2006. Zhang won 2-1, and title-holding China took the Uber Cup for the fifth time in a row on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over the Netherlands. (Xinhua Photo)

    In the decider, Zhang was off to a good start by leading 12-2. But resilient Mia fought back again and led at 16-15 by seizing on Zhang's unforced errors.

    "I just rushed too much when I was leading 19-16 in the second, I tried to drop the shuttle too much and it often landed in the net," said Zhang.

    "It was the same in the third game after leading 12-2. I rushed too much again and made many errors."

    Zhang readjusted her game and restored her lead with steady pace and accurate placements before taking the set at 21-18 to claim the victory.

    "The fight has left my legs weak," said Zhang following a 64-minute grueling match.

    Xie Xingfang, winner of 2004 world championships in the United States, pulled off a 21-17 and 21-18 win despite tough resistance from Judith Meulendijks, ranked 39th in the world.

    China's title defense was topped off by debutant Jiang Yanjiao, ranked 15th in the world, who made light work of Rachel Van Custen 21-9 and 21-7 in just 26 minutes.

    On Sunday, China will meet Denmark in the final of the Thomas cup. Enditem