China's women's handballers sent a message to the world by beating 2006 World Cup winners Norway in a tune-up tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

During the "Jiuhuashen Cup International Elites Challenge", a four-nation invitational concluded over the weekend in Anhui Province, China, under new coach Kang Jae-won from South Korea, edged out Norway 25-24 in the last game of the tournament.

China had a 2-1 record in the two-day tournament but finished third behind South Korea and Norway on goals scored. But the victory over Norway was a shot in the arm for the team, which has not won an Olympic medal since 1984.

"It feels so great," said Kang who last month became the fourth South Korean coach to lead the team.

"I am satisfied with my players, in particular their defense and high spirit."

China defeated Spain, sixth at the Athens Games, 23-21 in the opening game the International Handball Association-approved tournament. The team lost its second game narrowly to 2004 Olympic silver medalists South Korea, who came from behind to clinch a 26-25 win.

The strong performance was all the more surprising given Kang has been in the job less than a month.

"I've always closely followed the Chinese team," said Kang, who was named the world's best men's handballer in 1989 and has since gained extensive coaching experience in Europe.

"This team is special in Asia because the players look stronger than other Asian players."

Kang said he has faith in Chinese players and asked for patience.

"This is a very young team and is still far from the peak. I don't expect sudden success and just want to go step by step."

Chinese team won a bronze medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 but slumped to eighth in Athens.

(China Daily June 26, 2007)