Thais blow away Spain, reach quarters
Thailand breezed past Spain 5-0 in their second Group B match to reach the quarter-finals of the Uber Cup in Aarhus, Denmark, yesterday.
It was Thailand’s second win in as many matches after defeating Scotland 5-0 in their opener of the BWF world women’s team championship.
Without their top player Carolina Marin, Spain were no match for the Thais.
Pornpawee Chochuwong defeated Clara Azurmendi 21-9, 21-15 in the opening women’s singles match.
In the other two singles encounters, Busanan Ongbamrungphan beat Lucia Rodriguez 21-10, 21-13 and Phittayaporn Chaiwan finished off Ania Setien 21-8, 21-11.
In the first women’s doubles match, Puttita Supajirakul/Sapsiree Taerattanachai beat Nerea Ivorra/Claudia Leal 21-7, 21-4.
Thailand’s top women’s doubles pair, Jongkolphan Kittitharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai, completed the rout with a 21-7, 21-9 win over Lucia Rodriguez/ Ania Setien.
Thailand will meet India today to determine group winners. The Indians defeated Scotland 4-1 yesterday.
Ratchanok Intanon, Thailand’s top singles star, has arrived in Aarhus after her mother’s funeral.
She may play against India to gain match fitness ahead of the quarter-finals.
Thailand finished second after losing to Japan in the final of the previous tournament in 2018 for their best ever Uber Cup result.
The ongoing edition was postponed from last year due to the Covid19 pandemic.
In the Thomas Cup at the same venue, Thailand lost 3-2 to Indonesia in their second Group A match on Monday.
Shesar Hiren Rhustavito defeated Adulrach Namkul to seal the winning point for Indonesia.
Earlier, Thailand’s Kantaphon Wangcharoen beat Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 16-21, 24-22, 25-23.
Indonesia’s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/ Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo defeated Supak Jomkoh/Kittinupong Kedren 19-21, 21-18, 21-13.
Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn beat Jonatan Christie 21-10, 21-14.
Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Adrianto defeated Natthapat Trinkajee/Tanupat Viriyaangkura 21-9, 21-12.
Thailand, who defeated Taiwan in their opening group match, will need a win over Bulgaria today to stand a chance of reaching the quarter-finals.