Thais meet China in Sudirman Cup today

Thais meet China in Sudirman Cup today

Sapsiree Taerattanachai, right , and Dechapol Puavaranukroh play against Hong Kong.
Sapsiree Taerattanachai, right , and Dechapol Puavaranukroh play against Hong Kong.

Thailand will face China in their last Group 1A match of the Sudirman Cup on Australia's Gold Coast on Wednesday.

The match is relatively meaningless as both have already qualified for the quarter-finals.

The outcome of today's encounter will determine the group winners.

Both teams are likely to use some of their fringe players.

China, who have won the title 10 times, beat Hong Kong 4-1 in their opening match, while Thailand were given a scare by the same opponents before winning 3-2 on Monday night.

In-form mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai claimed the winning point for Thailand when they beat Hong Kong's Chau Hoi Wah and Lee Chun Hei 21-16, 21-16.

Dechapol, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Saturday, and Sapsiree are one of the hottest mixed double pairs this year.

They won the Swiss Open title and finished runners-up at the Singapore and Asia Championships.

Earlier, the match looked to be a formality for Thailand who raced to a 2-0 lead with wins by Bodin Isara and Nipitphon Phuangphuapet in the men's doubles and Ratchanok Intanon in the women's singles.

Bodin and Nipitphon beat Or Chin Chung and Tang Chun 22-20, 17-21, 21-11.

Ratchanok had few problems in her 21-14, 21-17 win over Yip Pui Yin.

Ratchanok, 22, has been suffering from an extended dip in form.

She got off to an impressive start to the season by reaching the All England final. However, last month she failed to retain all three titles she won last year in India, Malaysia and Singapore.

After seeing themselves 2-0 down against the Thais, Hong Kong fought back when Ng Ga Long stunned Tanongsak Saenbomboonsuk 21-11, 21-16 in the men's singles.

Tse Ying Suet and Poon Lok Yan then defeated Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai 21-15, 18-21, 21-14 in the women's doubles.

Thailand are now 2-1 up against Hong Kong in meetings at the world mixed team championship.

Each encounter consists of five matches -- men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles.

There is no prize money in the Sudirman Cup with players playing for their countries and to earn world ranking points.

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