Thai SEA Games gold medallist Danai Udomchoke enjoyed a good boost prior to his title defence in Manila when he won the US$50,000 (Bt2 million) USTA Challenger of Champaign-Urbana tournament in Illinois on Saturday. The fifth-seeded Thai used precision passing shots to tame American Justin Gimelstob 7-5 6-2 to collect his third challenger title this year after winning in South Korea and Canada.

Kingdom face hosts in opener

[SOCCER] Thai coach Chanvit Polchivin is confident of collecting three points when his side plays the Philippines in their first match of the SEA Games. The Thai men’s team arrived in Bacolod City in the Philippines yesterday. Chanvit said he wasn’t concerned that the Philippines had enlisted six European players into the team, adding that it would be a good opportunity for his players to test their skills against bigger opponents.

Local swimmers target eight gold in Philippines

[SWIMMING] Although there are under a lot of pressure, Thailand’s swimming squad are confident of ruling the pool when the SEA Games in the Philippines start later this month. The Thailand Swimming Association (TASA) hopes to win at least eight gold medals at the 23rd SEA Games, with two medals expected from the divers.

IN BRIEF:

Three from 3 for Thiew Pai Ngam