Thais take on desperate Hong Kong
Thailand begin their Sudirman Cup campaign against Hong Kong at Carrara Sport and Leisure Centre in Gold Coast today.
The team, led by the Kingdom’s top players Ratchanok Intanon and Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk, take on a Hong Kong side desperate for victory after their opening 4-1 defeat to defending champions China yesterday.
Thailand are targeting to reach the quarter-finals in Gold Coast and a victory against Hong Kong will quarantee their qualification and eliminate Hong Kong.
Thailand hold a 1-1 head-to-head record against Hong Kong in the tournament.
The tie will be shown live on TrueSport HD, TrueSport 1 and TrueSport 7 starting at 3pm.
According to reports from Gold Coast, world No.11 Tanongsak is tipped to play world No.10 Angus Ng Ka Long in the men’s singles tie. It is expected to be a close battle as the two have each won two of their four meetings.
Women’s No.8 Ratchanok is likely to face 16th-ranked Cheung Ngan Yi. The pair only met once and it was Ratchanok who came out on top.
In men’s doubles, world No.13 Bodin Isara and Niphitphon Phuangphuapet are expected to meet No.24 Or Chin Chung and Tang Chun Man, while world No.11 Rawinda Prajongjai and Jongkolphan Kititharakul could meet No.39 Poon Lok Yan and Tse Ying Suet in the women’s doubles.
In the mixed doubles, world No.9 Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai could face world No.12 Lee Chun Hei and Chau Hoi Wah.
Thailand, who are in Group 1A, will face 10-time champions China on Wednesday. China have won the last six editions of the biennial mixed team championships.
There was also a good news for the team as Kittinupong Kedren has recovered from an ankle injury and was able to attend a training session yesterday.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand, gave her final pep talks for the team last night.
“It’s very important that our players are mentally prepared for tomorrow’s match. Physically I believe there’s not much difference between both set of players, those could handle the pressure better on the day should win the tie,” said Patama.