China lifted the winner's trophy in the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) Championship after they defeated North Korea 2-0 in the South Korean city of Daegu on Sunday.

This is the first time China has won the title since the four-nation tournament was launched in 1990.

China snatched one victory and two draws during the tournament, topping the rankings with five points.

Shanghai Shenhua striker Xie Hui earned a penalty kick that Inter Shanghai midfielder Li Yan converted to give China the lead after 13 minutes. Xie added the second goal in the 67th minute with a shot into the far corner after some nifty control of club teammate Gao Lin's pass.

A starter in all three of China's EAFF tournament matches, Gao impressed Zhu Guanghu with his creativity up front and a natural understanding and chemistry with Xie. The young forward has yet to play for Shenhua in the China Super League and head coach Valeri Nepomniatchi is almost certain to hand him his top-flight debut in next weekend's match away to Sichuan.

Zhang Yaokun, currently on loan to Sichuan from Dalian Shide, was named the tournament's Best Defender, while China vice captain Ji Mingyi took the Best Player award.

China: Li Leilei; Xu Yunlong, Zhang Yaokun, Ji Mingyi, Wang Liang, Zheng Bin (Sun Xiang 51'), Zhao Xuri, Li Yan, Cao Yang, Gao Lin (Zhang Yonghai 90'), Xie Hui (Li Jinyu 68')

In a later match on Sunday, Japan beat hosts South Korea 1-0 to finish second in the tournament.

EAFF Championship final standings:
China 5
Japan 4
North Korea 4
South Korea 2

(Sinosoc.com and Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2005)