Marvellous Uber Cup start for Thailand
Thailand’s Uber Cup team began their campaign with an impressive 5-0 win against Scotland in the BWF world women’s team championships in Aarhus, Denmark, yesterday.
Thailand, who are in Group B, proved too strong for their Scottish opponents, winning all five rubbers without losing a game.
Pornpawee Chochuwong claimed the first point for Thailand after she defeated Kirsty Gilmour 21-16, 21-10.
Doubles stars Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai doubled Thailand’s lead with a 21-13, 21-17 victory over Julie MacPherson and Ciara Torrance.
Busanan Ongbamrungphan made it 3-0 after she eased past Rachel Sugden 21-8, 21-11.
Puttita Supajirakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai beat Rachel Andrew and Eleanor O’Donnell 21-8, 21-10 in the second doubles tie before Phittayaporn Chaiwan sealed a whitewash with a 21-12, 21-3 thrashing of Lauren Middleton in just 22 minutes.
India, who are also in Group B, edged Spain 3-2.
Former world No.1 Saina Nehwal retired during the second game against Clara Azurmendi as Spain took the first point against India. Azurmendi won the first game 22-20.
Malvika Bansod put India on level terms after she beat Beatriz Corrales 21-13, 21-15 before Tanisha Crasto and Ratuparna Panda beat Paula Lopez and Lorena Usle 21-10, 21-8 to give India a 2-1 lead.
Aditi Bhatt’s 21-16, 21-14 victory over Ania Setien put the tie beyond Spain’s reach.
Azurmendi teamed up with Corrales in the closing doubles to beat Ashwini Ponnappa and Reddy N Sikki 21-18, 14-21, 21-17 to make it a respectable scoreline for Spain.
In the other early Uber Cup result yesterday, Taiwan hammered Egypt 5-0 in Group C.
The Thai Thomas Cup team, who edged Taiwan 3-2 in their opening Group A tie on Saturday, face 13-time champions Indonesia today.