Hosts China beat archrival Japan to win the men's 4x200 meters freestyle relay at the Guangzhou Asian Games on Monday.

It was the first time China won the event at the Asian Games.

Chinese star swimmer Zhang Lin established the lead in the first 200m, and then Jiang Haiqi, Li Yunqi, and Sun Yang kept the lead to win the relay in seven minutes and 7.68 seconds.

Japan took the second in 7:10.39, while South Korea finished third in 7:24.14.

"We all did a wonderful job tonight," said Zhang, winner of the 800m freestyle at 2009 Rome Worlds. "It's exciting to beat Japan after so many years waiting."

Zhang, who failed to claim a medal from Sunday's 200m freestyle, said it would be a new start for him.

"I will take the victory as a new start," said the 23-year-old. "Our opponents were quite strong, but we did beat them. I am so happy now."

The Japanese team trailed the Chinese swimmers throughout the race, failed to outplace them at last.

"Chinese swimmers performed better than us and we have to accept the reality," said Uchida Sho. "We will have a meeting when we back to the Athletes' Village to discuss how to improve."

Park Tae Hwan, Olympic champion in the 400m freestyle in Beijing, said the South Korean team were satisfied with the result.

"We did our best and there was no regret." He said. "We are happy to take the bronze in the relay.