OSAKA, Japan China came desperately close to being knocked out of the Men's World Team Table Tennis Championship on Saturday, a fate suffered by title holders Sweden against Belgium.

In a contest described by Chinese Coach Li Xiaodong as the most exciting he had seen in more than 10 years as chief, favorites China edged South Korea 3-2 for a shot at the top team prize.

"I honestly can't put into words how I feel after such an incredible, tension-filled match," he said.

On paper, China should have steamrolled to victory. The team boasts four of the world's top five players and has never lost to South Korea in the nine times they have met.

But the South Koreans, led by number nine Kim Taek Soo, twice came within a single point of winning and were thwarted only by the steel nerves of sixth-ranked Liu Guozheng, who came from behind in the final game to clinch a thrilling 16-21 24-22 25-23 win.

Olympic singles champion and world number two Kong Linghui lost twice, first to top-spinning Kim Taek Soo and then to 26th-ranked oh Sang Eun, who played arguably the game of his life to win 26-24 21-18.

"I will never forget that I lost twice today," Kong Linghui said. "I will regret that for the rest of my life."

Defending champions Sweden were sent unceremoniously on their way in a surprise defeat to a plucky Belgium.

The "aging" Swedes, led by all-time table tennis great Jan-Ove Waldner, struggled to translate experience and strategic nous into points on the board.

World number 13 Jorgen Persson, singles gold medalist in Japan 10 years ago, dropped the opening rubber to number 47 Philippe Saive, who won 17-21 21-17 21-19.

According to Reuters, Waldner, four-time team world champion, retorted with a well-worked win against Saive's 12th-ranked brother, Jean-Michel.

But the veteran's genius was not enough to carry the Swedes over a Belgium team firing on all cylinders.

Martin Bratanov, ranked 105, outclassed number 36 Fredrik Hakansson in the third set, and Jean-Michel Saive polished off Persson 21-12 21-18 to seize a place in the final.

"Sometimes we have to lose, too," Waldner said. "I think Belgium played very well today. They won 3-1, so I think they were the better team."