South Korea finally ended their jinx against China when they defeated the defending champions 3-1 at Putra Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to claim their first ever Uber Cup title.

South Korea had qualified for five previous finals but on each occasion were defeated by the Chinese, losing 5-0 in 1988, 3-2 in 1990 and 1992 and 3-1 in 2002 and 2004.

The key to South Korea's victory was Bae Seung-hee's stunning 23-21, 21-11 victory over world No. 1 Wang Yihan. This was the third time the duo have met but only the first time Seung-hee has emerged victorious.

And it could not have come at a more important time.

“Wang Yihan made some crucial mistakes and I took advantage. As the match progressed, I became more and more confident. This is my first Uber Cup and I am happy to be a part of the winning team," said an emotional Seung-hee.

“Before I came to Kuala Lumpur, I lost all my matches in the qualifying round. We made the Finals but it was not a good outing for me personally.

“But it did not affect my play. Instead, it was a blessing in disguise for me. I was determined to make good in the Finals. There was no pressure on me and I played my normal game after working extra hard on my weaknesses.

“And it's a good feeling to win the first point for my country against the mighty Chinese. I went on court to play my best and enjoy my game which I did.”

Her win inspired South Korea and their scratch pair of Lee Jung-hyo -Kim Min Jung fought tooth and nail against the better known Ma Jin-Wang Xiaoli. Despite losing the first game 18-21, the duo never gave up.

They upped the tempo and this worked to their advantage as they ran out 21-12, 21-15 winners in the next two games to make it 2-0 for South Korea.

All the pressure was now on Wang Xin but the Chinese player held her nerve to make it 2-1 when she beat Sung Ji-hyun 21-14, 16-21, 21-7.

Lee Kyung-won-Ha Jung-eun, however, made sure there was no fightback when they overcame a first game deficit to beat Du Jing-Yu Yang 19-21, 21-14, 21-19 to make history for South Korea.

South Korean team manager Kim Jong-soo said: "This is our first victory in the Uber Cup and it will inspire us in future. My girls played well and deserve this honour."

China's head coach Li Yongbo said: "The South Korean girls played very well while our girls were not at their best today. That was the major difference between the teams today."

UBER CUP FINAL
South Korea 3 China 1
Bae Seung-hee bt Wang Yihan 23-21, 21-11; Lee Jung-hyo-Kim Min Jung bt Ma Jin-Wang Xiaoli 18-21, 21-12, 21-15; Sung Ji-hyun lost Wang Xin 14-21, 21-16, 7-21; Lee Kyung-won-Ha Jung-eun bt Du Jing-Yu Yang 19-21, 21-14, 21-19