KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Reuters) - China stormed to an emphatic 5-1 victory over Asian Cup co-hosts Malaysia on Tuesday, putting on the most impressive display of the tournament so far as they cruised to victory in their Group C opener.

The 2004 runners-up became the first of the favoured teams

to score a victory in the tournament after Australia and

defending champions Japan were held to respective 1-1 draws by

Oman and Qatar in their opening group matches.

Despite enjoying home advantage, Malaysia failed to emulate

the performances of fellow southeast Asian co-hosts Vietnam and

Indonesia, both of whom scored surprise victories in their

first games.

Thailand are the other nation hosting the 16-team

tournament that culminates with the final in Jakarta on July

29.

Although happy with the victory, China coach Zhu Guanghu

said his team lost their discipline in allowing Malaysia to

score after leading 4-0.

"I am concerned that Malaysia managed to fight back and

score against us," Zhu told reporters.

"Before that we were in control and were disciplined.

"We showed character to go out and score a fifth goal, but

we will certainly investigate why we allowed them to score and

try not to let it happen again."

China's goal rush began after just 15 minutes when striker

Han Peng headed in Wang Dong's high cross from the right after

Malaysia's defence was split open by some dynamic approach

play.

Midfielder Shao Jiayi, who plays for Energie Cottbus in the

German Bundesliga, doubled the lead after 36 minutes with

another free header.

Any hopes of a Malaysian comeback were dashed six minutes

after the break when Wang made it 3-0 with a snap-shot from

outside the box that deflected in off defender Fauzie Nan.

Han made it 4-0 with his second goal of the match four

minutes later, when he turned in Mao Jianqing's cross from the

left.

Malaysia scored a consolation goal in the 73rd minute when

substitute Indra Putra beat Li Leilei with a low shot from the

edge of the penalty area, but Wang restored Chinas four-goal

advantage with a looping header in the final minute.

China play their next match on Sunday against Iran, who

open their Group C campaign against Uzbekistan on Wednesday.