In a format similar to tennis' Davis Cup, featuring a doubles match and four singles contests, the Aussies weren't able to extend their contest beyond the minimum three matches.

The tone was set early with Melissa Tapper and Michelle Bromley losing the opening game of their doubles match 11-1 en-route to a 3-0 pummelling inside 15 minutes.

Six-time Olympian Jian Fang Lay - who made the third round of the women's singles in Tokyo - represented Australia's best chance of a way back into the tie and produced an almighty performance in going down in five games to Ying Han.

After dropping the opening game, Fang Lay won the second 11-9, with every won point followed by a trademark first pump.

The pair traded the next two games to set up a decider, but it was all over in five minutes with Han jumping out to a 6-0 lead before wrapping it up 11-2.

With their backs against the wall, Australia needed a Bromley win to extend the tie, but the 33-year-old from Sydney's west was no match for world No.33 Xiaona Shan, losing 11-2 11-3 11-9 in 20 minutes.

Australian Associated Press