Members of Chinese men's team wave to the audience on the Medal ceremony after claiming the gold medal of the men's team of Gymnastics Artistic at the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, Dec. 2, 2006.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

DOHA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- China took the incredible ninth consecutive win in Asiad men's gymnastics team competition in Dohaon Saturday, beating arch rival Japan with 377.100 points.

    China featured its "dream team" back from Aarhus gymnastic worlds where they upset Russia by 2.375 points to snatch the team title. Japan finished third in Aarhus for two serious errors made by all-around specialist Hiroyuki Tomita.

    In Doha, Japan was downed by China again with a gap of 4.05 points and South Korea achieved 371.500 points to stand third.

    Although Chinese former Olympic champions Huang Xu, Li Xiaopeng and Teng Haibin did not come due to injury, the Chinese men's gymnastic team dominated the Asiad arena.

    "I am very relaxed during the match. I don't think it's a surprise at all to win the team title as we just committed to our training after the world championships and our coach arranged good preparation for the Asian Games," said Yang Wei, the newly-crowned triple world champion.

    "I don't think the number of gold is that important, but you need to learn something from the match and learn how to get strong for next match," said Yang.

    Chinese head coach Huang Yubin was satisfied with the team's performance. "We fully showed our strength and our spirit in the competition," said Huang.

    "But the Asian Games can only be regarded as a mid-term test, and the real challenge will come at the Beijing Olympic Games in which we will give all of our ginger to win."

    Huang tipped Yang Wei as the favorite for all-around gold here after the qualificaiton round. "Yang Wei has an edge over Tomita at the moment and is more likely to win Monday's all-around," Huang predicted.

    Yang Wei is in the first place, followed by Tomita, after the all-around qualification. The two rivals will replay the scenario of Aarhus on Monday's matchup.

    Chinese teenager Zou Kai fell down from high bar and missed the final over the discipline. "Zou Kai's mistake in high bar cost his chance to reach the final, so I think it is a disappointment for us," said Huang.

    With Aarhus and Doha victories, the Chinese men's gymnastic team has walked out of the misery from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in which it finished only fifth.

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