China's men's table tennis team memebers hold the trophy during the awarding ceremony at the 50th World Team Table Tennis Championships in Moscow, capital of Russia, on May 30, 2010. China defeated Germany 3-1 in the men's final match. [Xinhua/Tao Xiyi]

For the first time in nearly two decades, the Corbillon Cup was not claimed by China, as the Chinese women paddlers lost the final to Singapore 3-1 at the 50th table tennis worlds on Sunday.

The Chinese trio of Ding Ning, Liu Shiwen and Guo Yan, the same outfit in the semifinal, encountered a real challenge in the gruelling competition from Singapore's Feng Tianwei, Wang Yuegu and Sun Beibei.

Ding Ning had a good start for a 2-0 lead but soon suffered strong and constant resistance from Feng Tianwei, the world No. 2 player. She eventually lost the opener 3-2, which was also the first defeat the Chinese girls had in the Moscow worlds.

Perhaps influenced by the loss, Liu Shiwen was unable to subdue Wang Yuegu in the first, second and fourth games, losing the match 3-1.

Thanks to Guo Yan, who overcame Sun Beibei 3-1 in the third match, the Chinese team's hope for win was ignited again.

However, Liu Shiwen failed to stop the strong momentum of Feng Tianwei, losing the final match 3-2.

Shi Zhihao, head coach of the Chinese women's team, said the young players paid a price by losing the Corbillon Cup.

"They really have paid the price, which can give them a more clear idea about world events," said the coach, "They can see now that Chinese team is not unbeatable."