The Chinese soccer team clinched their first win in the new century as they crushed minnows Thailand 5-1 in the 32nd King's Cup soccer tournament on Wednesday.

The Chinese team, coached by Yugoslav Bora Milutinovic, suffered an embarrassing four defeats and two ties record before today's match.

The victory has also earned China a spot in the final of the King's Cup where they will take on Sweden. Qatar will play Thailand in the 3rd-place final.

China predictably put the home side under early pressure and opened the scoring with a goal by Zhang Yuning in the 17th minute.

Six minutes later, Zhang headed home the second from a corner by Shao Jiayi, a promising star in the Chinese Football League. Su Maozhen extended the lead with a diving header in the 30th minute.

China's troubles increased shortly after the break when Thailand pressed forward. But it was China who scored again.

Chen Gang crossed from the left and Zhang, outstanding throughout the game, headed in the fourth to finish his hat-trick.

Thailand scored a consolation goal when its star forward Tawan Sripan drove a 25-meter shot, which changed its direction after touching Shu Chang's body.

The Chinese team completed the rout when Li Tie chipped the ball into the net in injury time.

The final will take place on Saturday.

(People's Daily 02/15/01)