China lost to South Korea 3-0 on Saturday at the 2003 men's volleyball World Cup.

The South Koreans, who beat China in five sets in the Asian Championship final, defeated China 25-19, 25-21 and 26-24 to improve to a 5-5 record at the round-robin tournament.

"I am happy with the result, because we have achieved our objective after claiming the fifth victory," said South Korean head coach Cha Joo-hyun.

Chang Byung-chul led South Korea with 15 points.

"The Chinese players are very young and they played vividly and enthusiastically," Cha added. "I think it's a good match for both teams."

Down by two sets, the Chinese fought hardly in the third as they overcame a 15-11 deficit to tie it at 23-23. Tang Miao beat off South Korea's first match point with a powerful spike, but the Asian champions converted the second by stuffing Hu Song.

The 20-year-old Hu had 13 kills, three blocks and two aces to finish with a game-high 18 points for China.

"Our players tried their best, but the South Korean players are more experienced," said Chinese head coach Di An'he.

"We made too many unforced mistakes today," Di added.

South Korea reaped 20 points from the Chinese' mistakes.

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