Thais blast biased boxing judges after losses
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Thais blast biased boxing judges after losses

Chatchai, Wuttichai exit in dubious fashion

For the first time in four decades, Thailand failed to win a men's boxing medal at the Olympics but the controversial losses suffered by Chatchai Butdee and Wuttichai Masuk in their last-16 bouts on Sunday led to a chorus of foul cries in Rio de Janeiro.

Reigning Asian champions Chatchai and Wuttichai's defeats mean that the country's hopes for a boxing medal now rest on 51kg fighter Peamwilai Laopeam, who is the first Thai female boxer to qualify for the Games.

She starts her campaign at 3am tomorrow, Thai time, in the quarter-finals against Ingrit Lorena of Colombia.

Peamwilai will be assured of at least a bronze medal if she wins her first ever Olympic bout.

On Sunday, Chatchai peppered his opponent Vladimir Nikitin of Russia with punches throughout the fight but lost by a split decision in the 56kg category.

Wuttichai was also beaten 2-1 by Gary Russell of the USA in the 64kg class.

This is not the first time that the Thai boxing team have complained about unfair treatment by judges appointed by the International Amateur Boxing Association (Aiba).

At the 2012 London Games, Kaew Pongprayoon suffered a controversial loss to China's Zou Shiming in the final of the men's 49kg category.

"I should have won the fight," said Chatchai, who made his second Olympic appearance.

"I think I was more on target. I do not really understand the judges' decisions."

The 30-year-old Thai, who promised to bring home a medal as a birthday present for his daughter who turns four later this month, said losing the fight the way he did was the worse thing he had ever experienced.

The fighter from Sa Kaeo added: "I am sorry to all Thai fans that I could not win a medal. I fought to the best of my ability.

"As an athlete, I have to accept the decision. Thanks everyone for all your great support."

Olympic debutant Wuttichai, the top-ranked fighter in the division, also felt discouraged by the judging.

"I did my best but it might not be as good as the coach wanted," said Wuttichai, also a champion at the 2014 Asian Games.

"The winner was decided in the final round and it also depended on the judges.

"The Olympics are the biggest stage for a boxer. I would love to participate in the Games again.

"However, it is a long way to go. At the moment, I am feeling really disheartened."

Somchai Poonsawat, technical chief of the Thailand Boxing Association, said both Thai boxers should have won their bouts.

He added that they had put in their best efforts and it was unfortunate that they were unsuccessful.

"Wuttichai and Chatchai boxed as planned. I credit them and all the team staff for their efforts," he said.

"This is sports and you have to accept the decision. As for me, they both won their fights."

Amnat Ruenroeng and Saylom Ardee, Thailand's other two male boxers, had suffered early exits.

Boxer Payao Poontarat was Thailand's first ever Olympic medallist when he won a bronze at Montreal 1976.

Since then, the country has taken a medal in boxing in every subsequent edition of the Games, and Peamwilai could keep the record intact.

Thailand last won a boxing gold medal at Beijing 2008.

Meanwhile, in the women's marathon, Jane Vongvorachoti finished 91st in 2.47.27hr while Natthaya Thanaronnawat came in 130th in 3.11.31.

These were worse results than their qualifying attempts in the Houston Marathon where Jane timed 2.42.09 and Natthaya 2.44.43.

Apart from boxer Peamwilai, Thailand now pin their medal hopes on taekwondo fighter Panipak Wongpattanakit, badminton star Ratchanok Intanon and golfer Ariya Jutanugarn.

Thailand have so far won two gold, one silver and one bronze medals in Rio.

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