The women's side overcame Taiwan 3-0, while there was also a clean-sweep win for the men against Singapore.

On a day in which every semi-final provided a comprehensive result, North Korea's women - playing in just their third ITTF World Team Cup - beat Japan as they continued to upset the seeding.

They will meet China in a repeat of the 2014 Asian Games semi-final.

"Tomorrow we will be facing North Korea in the final, we have encountered them a few times before, including in the Asian Games", Ding Ning said.

"They have a pretty strong team line-up here in Dubai so we are prepared for a tough match tomorrow."

North Korea battled to a superb victory over Japan to make the final ©Getty Images



North Korea's Ri Mi Gyong is relishing the chance to face China and she said: "I have taken a lot of precious experiences from the competition, it is a dream come true that we are in the final.

"So far in this competition I have shown my full ability, so I have been able to win my matches which is satisfying."

China's Zhu Yuling got her side off to the best possible start, although she was made to work hard for her victory by Feng Tianwei, eventually edging through in five games.

The other matches were much more comfortable for China as Ding Ning won in straight games, before she teamed up with Liu Shiwen to earn victory in the doubles.

North Korea were pushed close by Japan - with all three matches going the distance - but eventually they progressed to keep up their record of finishing on the podium in every World Cup they have competed in.

There was a shock in the men's event as Austria breezed past European champions Portugal, although they will have to spring a surprise once more if they are to claim gold as they are set to face a Chinese side who will be playing in their eighth straight final.

Zhang Jike made sure there was no repeat of his 2013 loss to Chien Chien-An as China reached their eighth straight final ©Getty Images



Revenge was sweet for Zhang Jike - who was famously fined his entire tournament fee for putting his feet through two advertising boards last year at the Dusseldorf event - as he avenged his loss to Chien Chien-An two years previously.

Teenage star Fan Zhendong made light work of Chiang Hung-Chiel, winning 11-4, 11-4, 11-5, and although the doubles was a much tighter affair, China once again proved too strong, winning the tie 3-0.

"Our team performance so far has been stable, even though we are the top seed here, there's always pressure for us to win, and there is always unpredictability in sport, so we still train hard and do our best", said Xu Xin.

"I think we will stand a better chance beating the Austrian team than the Portuguese team."

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