Taipei, July 26 (DPA) The World Games closed in Kaohsiung Sunday with China boycotting the ceremony as expected.

Just as they boycotted the opening ceremony to avoid seeing President Ma Ying-jeou open the games, the 59 Chinese athletes stayed away from the closing ceremony held at the Main Stadium in Kaohsiung, south Taiwan.

Split since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, China claims Taiwan is its breakaway province and does not want Ma to appear at international events.

But in view of eased tension, the two sides seem to have reached a consensus to allow Ma to open the games while Chinese players stayed away.

China's boycott did not affect the festival atmosphere of the closing ceremony which featured songs, dances, firework and the releasing of 200 paper lanterns into the night sky.

Ron Froelich, president of the International World Games Association, thanked Kaohsiung for hosting the 11-day games and praised the players for their sportsmanship.

'Before I hand over the flag to Cali, Columbia, host of the 2013 World Games, I want to make a solemn declaration, that is: The 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung have been the best games ever,' he said.