Team China celebrate after winning the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships title in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 19, 2023. /Badminton Asia
There will be much sterner tests in future tournaments, but there is no doubt that Chinese shuttlers are currently operating at another level.
Despite fielding a second-string team and sitting out some of their leading lights, China still proved too strong in the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship in the United Arab Emirates as they swatted aside South Korea 3-1 in the final to win their second straight title.
Lei Lanxi got the ball rolling at the Dubai Exhibition Center by seeing off Lee Yun-gyu 21-16, 21-15 in the men's singles tie.
China's Lei Lanxi in action during the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships final in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 19, 2023. /Badminton Asia
The 25-year-old Guangdong player, who stunned India's world number nine HS Prannoy in a thrilling semifinal showdown, once again displayed a maturity that belies his age against more established opponents and set the tone for the final.
Another young talent Gao Fangjie, who underlines the enviable depth China have bought to the showpiece event by shocking two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu in the previous round, sustained the momentum with a 21-15, 21-15 win over Kim Ga-eun in the women's singles clash.
Trailing 2-0 in a largely one-sided affair, South Korea performed far better in the men's doubles tie as Kim Won-ho, and Na Sung-seung beat He Jiting and Zhou Haodong 19-21, 21-16, 21-17 in an entertaining encounter.
China's Gao Fangjie serves during the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships final in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 19, 2023. /Badminton Asia
However, China resisted South Korea's late rally and showed no mercy in the women's doubles clash as Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning comfortably outclassed Jong Na-eun and Lee So-hee 21-11, 21-10 to help China retain the title that they won in 2019 in Hong Kong where they beat Japan in the final.
As the curtain draws on another installment of the Asia Mixed Team Championship, which also serves as the continental qualifier for the Sudirman Cup Finals. All eyes will be on Suzhou in May when Sudirman hosts China are expected to field their strongest team at home.
Judging by their understudies' impressive display over the past few days, China will face a major selection headache.