Thailand enjoyed winning starts at the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals in India on Sunday.
Thailand’s Busanan Ongbumrungpan.
In the Thomas Cup for men, the Thais, led by world No.8 Boonsak Ponsana, took a comfortable 5-0 win over Nigeria in Group A. In the other’s Group A match, Indonesia blanked Singapore 5-0.
Thailand will face Singapore today and finish the group stage against Indonesia tomorrow.
In the Uber Cup for women, Thailand edged Hong Kong 3-2 in Group Y.
They were tied 2-2 after four matches before teenager Busanan Ongbumrungpan defeated Chan Hung Yung to earn the wining point for Thailand.
The victory was a relief for the Thai team, who had expected a tough match.
“Hong Kong are better than us in the doubles,” Thailand coach Sompol Kookasemkij said before the tournament.
His comment proved right as his players lost both doubles matches.
Savitree Amitrapai and Duanganong Aroonkesorn lost to Chau Hoi Wah and Poon Lok Yan 21-18, 21-15 while Kunchala Voravichitchaikul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai were defeated by Chan Tsz Ka andTse Ying Suet 21-15, 15-21, 21-15.
However, world champion Ratchanok Intanon, Busanan and Nichaon Jindapon all won their singles matches.
In the same group of the biennial tournament, hosts India, spearheaded by Saina Nehwal and Sindhu PV, thrashed Canada 5-0.
Thailand were scheduled to play Canada overnight and will take on India today.
In Group W, China beat England 5-3 for their second win after defeating Russia by the same margin in the first match. Taiwan took a 4-1 victory over Russia.