After defeating the Korean pair of Lee Jae-jin and Lee Hyo-jung to win an unprecedented gold in Hyderabad for Thailand last year, Saralee and Sudket will face a much tougher test this time as the Korean duo are now No 1 in the world rankings.

Thai team manager Sompol Kookasemkit told The Nation yesterday that he does not want to set a high goal for the Thais in the meet since everybody can be a winner. But when it comes to Sudket and Saralee, Sompol is convinced they will do their best against the continent's big names.

"I think only those who can control the game well and have better performances on the courts will succeed. That's why I don't want to set any expectations. I just hope they can play well," said Sompol.

In the men's singles, Sompol is certain that former Thailand Open champion Boonsak Ponsana, a silver medallist at the World Cup Invitation in China in January, will improve on his efforts last year when he lost in the quarter-final to Indonesian Soni Dwi Kuncoro.

"Due to the presence of several strong players, it's very difficult for Boonsak to reach the final. Good players from powerhouses Indonesia, Korea and China are also there, ready to end Boonsak's dream. However, his fate depends upon who he will take on in each round."

The Thai team will leave Bangkok for the six-day Malaysian meet on Monday.

Meanwhile, a chance to take part in the World Junior Championships plus shared prize money of Bt600,000 will be up for grabs in the Thailand Junior Badminton Championships, which will kick off its first leg in Bangkok from April 1-5. The Go for Gold campaign by the Siam Cement Group is staging this tournament to seek talented young stars to represent the national team in several future international events.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation