Uber, Thomas Cup heartbreak for Thais
THAILAND’S UBER CUP team bowed out in the quarterfinals of this year’s championship after losing to Indonesia 3-0 in Chengdu, China, last Saturday (May 2).
Ratchanok Intanon narrowly lost to Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 20-22, 18-21 in the opening singles tie, while doubles players Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai went down to Apriyani Rahayu and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti 17-21, 14-21.
With the team desperately needed a point to stay alive, Supanida Katethong took the first game against Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo before the Indonesian fought back to take the second and the third games to claim the 19-21, 2119, 21-19 victory and a place in the semi-final for her team.
Thailand’s men’s Thomas Cup team were unable to progress from the group stage, suffering consecutive defeats to Indonesia.
Doubles players Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul won Thailand’s only point after they battled past Fajar Alfian and Muhammad
Rian Ardianto 21-19, 14-21, 21-11.
Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul fell to Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 16-21, 13-21 in the opening singles match before Peeratchai and Pakkapon pulled Thailand level.
Jonatan Christie restored Indonesia’s lead with a 21-16, 13-21, 21-12 win over Saran Jamsri.
Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin eased past Sirawit Sothon and Natthapat Trinkajee 21-13, 21-10 before Chicago Aura DWI Wardoyo took the fourth point for Indonesia with a 21-10, 21-11 win over Nachakorn Pusri.
China beat Indonesia in the both the finals of the Uber and Thomas Cups on Sunday.