Chetan Anand's brave fight against the world number one was the only highlight for India, who were thrashed 0-5 by defending champions China in their first league match of Thomas Cup badminton finals in Sendai, Japan, on Friday.

Anand, ranked 24, Lin Dan a scare when he snatched the second game, but the champion finally emerged unscathed 21-8, 23-21, 21-11 to win the first match of the tie.

Thereafter, it was a one-sided affair as China allowed India no further room and stamped their supremacy, routing other players in straight games.

The doubles combination of Rupesh Kumar and V Diju went down 5-21, 16-21 to Fu Haifeng and Cai Yun in the second match.

World No 9 Jin Chen got the better of national champion Anup Sridhar 21-14, 21-10 to seal the tie in China's favour.

The scratch doubles combine of Thomas Kurien and Jaseel Ismail lost 6-21, 10-21 to Bo Zhang and Guo Zhendeng in an inconsequential match.

Arvind Bhat went down 15-21, 10-21 in the last singles to Xia Xuanze.

India, who last qualified for the world team badminton championship in 2000, will next play Germany in their last league match on Saturday. Beating Germany will be the key for India to reach the knock-out stage.