Published on January 20, 2006

Asian champions Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thungthongkam, who are rated fifth in the world, powered their way into today’s mixed doubles quarter-finals of the All-England Badminton Championships in Birmingham.

The Thai duo, the joint fifth seeds and semi-finalists at last year’s World Championships in the United States, yesterday put out England’s David Lindley and Suzanne Rayappan, ranked 33 in the world, in straight games 15-7 15-13 in the second round. A tough task awaits the Thais in the quarter-finals as they next go up against the third seeds and Sydney Olympic champions Zhang Jun and Gao Ling from China. Boonsak Ponsana made it to the men’s singles third round where he was due to challenge rising Chinese star Chen Jin late last night. Boonsak, the current world number 15 and joint ninth seed, yesterday tamed local player Carl Baxter 15-8 15-8 in 54 minutes.

A rare treat

Local fans will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience when the world’s most prestigious trophy, the Fifa World Cup, comes to Thailand in March.

It is the first time the trophy has been taken on tour to 28 countries under the 100-day “Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola” campaign. The Kingdom’s turn comes on March 12.

The Cup will be presented on a large 3D movie screen inside the Nimibutr Building with only 10,000 people getting the privilege of catching a close glimpse of the greatest of sports trophies.

A contest for tickets is being held in which people have to collect six caps from any Coca-Cola product at any The Mall branch on 25 and 26 February.

Tour of Siam

Jamsran Ulzii-Orshikh yesterday won the fifth stage of the Tour of Siam in Phang Nga.

The Mongolian cyclist successfully beat the previous stage winner Takashi Miyazawa in a close battle over the last 100 metres to finish the 197.3km route from Ranong to Khao Lak in 4.27:17 hours. Australian Edmund Hollands extended his overall leading position.

– The Nation.

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