Yaowapa had shed six kilos in one month in her attempt to switch from the flyweight class (52-47kg), in which she won a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, to the lower pinweight division (47-51kg) after advice from national team head coach Choi Young-seok.

The Korean coach said Yaowapa had a small build and always had to fight taller and stronger opponents in the flyweight division. Choi suggested she drop down to the lower weight class to improve her chances of winning gold medals.

Yaowapa, a silver medallist at the 2004 World University Games in Izmir, Turkey, beat Maenam in a sudden-death play-off after the two-round contest ended in a 2-2 tie.

"I accept that it was a close match. Maenam is a strong exponent. We are close friends and have been training together," said Yaowapa.

"In the match on Tuesday, we were tied 2-2 and a sudden-death play-off was used to determine the winner. She kicked me first, but did not score because she kicked my arm. The judges ruled that the arm is not a target and no points were awarded. I then hit back to score the vital point and win the match."

Yaowapa claimed the match was not fixed.

"Only the staff coaches and judges decide who deserves to win and get the chance to make the national team for the Asian Games," she said.

"I think we [Maenam and herself] will have a chance to take on each other again in more selection trials. I'm ready to go out and prove my ability against her in the remaining trials."