TOKYO, May 7: World number one Lin Dan battled past Peter Gade as China whitewashed Denmark 3-0 to retain the Thomas Cup on Sunday.

Lin overcame a spirited challenge from world number three Gade to win the opening rubber 21-17, 21-19 before Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng won the doubles and Bao Chunlai sealed victory.

It was China's sixth world team title overall following three successive victories from 1986 to 1990 and a successful campaign in Jakarta two years ago. They first lifted the trophy in 1982.

Cai and Fu recovered after losing the opening game to beat world number one pairing Jens Eriksen and Martin Lundgaard Hansen 19-21, 21-11, 21-18.

Bao made it 3-0 in the best-of-five final with a 21-12, 12-21, 21-12 victory over Kenneth Jonassen.China's victory capped a perfect weekend following their women's anticipated success in the women's Uber Cup. The red-hot favourites beat the Netherlands 3-0 in Saturday's final.

Results: China beat Denmark 3-0 (Fu Haifeng/Cai Yun (China) beat Jens Eriksen/Martin Lundgaard Hansen (Denmark) 19 -21, 21-11, 21-18; Lin Dan (China) beat Peter Gade Christensen (Denmark) 21-17, 21-19; Bao Chunlai (China) beat Kenneth Jonassen (Denmark) 21-12, 12-21, 21-12). —Reuters