China lost to Japan in straight sets in the final of the Asian Championships and had to content to runners-up at the podium on Suphan Buri, Thailand.

China, who rallied from two sets down to see off South Korea 3-2 in Monday's semifinal, failed to stage another inspiring comeback against Japan, losing 14-25, 20-25 and 18-25.

China started on the wrong foot in the opening set, losing the first three points in a row and failing to stem the winning momentum of their opponents.

China played better in the second set but their attempts to bounce back were dented by a string of mistakes. They continued their skids in the last set with the errors on big points costing China dear.

Earlier in the day, South Korea beat India 25-20, 25-18, 22-25 and 25-16 in the bronze medal match.