China flexing regional muscle

Win over Uzbekistan earns berth in Asian Cup quarterfinals

High-flying China has emerged as the Asian Cup's dark horse after its best start to the competition in 27 years emphatically put the cat among the pigeons.

China has never won the continent's showcase tournament but Wednesday's explosive 2-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan in Brisbane saw it sweep into the quarterfinals and put the title favorites on full alert.