China's domination in badminton has suddenly been called into question after its best shuttlers suffered a string of losses during the recent IBF Super Series China Open, leaving many concerned about China's prospects for next year's Beijing Olympic Games.

Xie Xingfang (Right) and Zhu Ling of China warm up during the IBF Super Series China Open on Saturday in Guangzhou. Xie and Zhu, the world's top women's singles players, were unable to stop a dark-horse run by Malaysian Wong Mew Choo, who defeated four Chinese players in a row en route to winning the most important title of her career. [Xinhua]

The China Open concluded at Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou on Sunday as the host settled for only two out of the five titles, China's worst showing in 14 years at the tournament.

The biggest upset came in the women's singles, which China traditionally dominates in major international competitions.

Wong Mew Choo from Malaysia ruined any planned celebration parties by outgunning world No 1 Xie Xingfang in the final.

The underdog Wong - the world No 8 - was a real giant killer and a nightmare for Chinese women, with wins over China's Zhu Jingjing, world No 5 Pi Hong Yan, (a former Chinese now representing France), world No 3 and reigning world champion Zhu Lin, and world No 2 Zhang Ning on her way to the title.

Veteran shuttler Zhang, a gold medalist at the Athens Olympics, said a loss does not undermine her determination to defend her title in Beijing 2008.

"Nobody likes the feeling of losing matches. The more important thing is how to keep health in your mind after a setback," said Zhang, 32. "If you keep thinking of how to beat the next opponent and the next next opponent, there will be huge pressure on your shoulders. I will try to play every game as the only one and just play my best game."

Years of training and competition have left lingering injures in her knees, but Zhang still has her eyes on the gold medal.

"Reports said I have lower expectations for the Beijing Games. They are wrong. I still have the passion and motivation for the gold medal. I will get fit step by step and fight for the best result in Beijing."

Like Zhang, Xie has struggled with a lingering injury in her lower back for a long time, but she refuses to blame her final failure on the injury.

"It's not an excuse. The injury has been there for a long time and I can handle it as long as it doesn't hurt so much," Xie said. "We have to admit the overall level of women's badminton is progressing fast. Every player has their own style and it's harder to beat them."

Head coach Li Yongbo also admitted the use of the 21-point system has narrowed the gap between Chinese and overseas players.

The China Open was not the first time this year China was humbled at an international event. China also failed to clinch a gold in September's Philippines Open. At the Japan Open later that month, Denmark's Tine Rasmussen demonstrated Europe's growing competitiveness at the cost of Chinese shuttlers, beating national champion Jiang Yanjiao, Zhang, world No 4 Lu Lan and then Xie in the final.

Apart from the women's singles, China also lost titles in men's doubles and mixed doubles at the China Open.

Indonesia emerged as the final doubles victor as Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan beat Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo to take the men's doubles title, and Nova Vidianto/Lilyana Natsir beat Thai pair Sudket Prapakamol/Saralee Thoungthongkam to win the mixed doubles.