The male event at the tournament in the Chinese city kick-started proceedings today with the strongest host line-up impressing.

They knocked out defending champions Iran in the semi-finals at the Wuxi Taihu International Expo Centre, despite trailing 31-29 at the end of round three.

Shuai Zhao, the reigning Olympic and world champion at 58 kilograms, shone for the home side as they turned things around to triumph 65-55.

Zhao put in an aggressive display as his nation went through.

South Korea proved too strong for Morocco in their semi-final, which was more one-sided.

They came through 94-48 with Kyo-don In impressing with his punching and spinning kick combinations.

The final will take place on Sunday (July 29).

Earlier quarter finals saw Iran beat Turkey, China's first team beat their second team, South Korea see off Kazakhstan and Morocco beat Ivory Coast.

Turkey also beat Japan in a preliminary clash to join the last eight.

Morocco will now fight China's second team while Iran will face Kazakhstan for the two bronze medals on offer.  

The team format features four athletes per side, with one substitute.

Singles matches are held but there are also tag team bouts, which allow for substitutions.

The women's and mixed events will begin tomorrow.

"We are very excited to bring the World Taekwondo World Cup Team Championships to the beautiful city of Wuxi," said World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue. 

"Wuxi did a fantastic job in organising the first ever World Taekwondo Grand Slam Champions Series last December and I have no doubt that the World Cup Team Championships will also be a huge success.

"China has a great love for taekwondo which is growing by the day. 

"These Championships will help grow the sport even more in the country and inspire more people to get involved in taekwondo. 

"Team taekwondo is relatively new but it is growing rapidly in popularity all around the world due to its high-scoring, high-action nature. 

"I am very much looking forward to witnessing our taekwondo stars come together as a team as they attempt to bring home taekwondo glory to their respective nations."