China defeated South Africa 45-28 Friday in the Beijing Olympics men's epee team event, winning the ticket to the quarterfinals.

The team, consisting of Wang Lei, Yin Lianchi and Li Guojie, led the South-African players Dario Torrente, Sello Maduma and Mike Wood, since the second bout.

In its quarterfinal match, China will face Hungary, top seed of the event.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2008)