The sport, which is claimed by both countries as having originated in their lands, made its debut in the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing. Malaysia won two gold medals there and the two have been contesting for the top spot ever since.

Thailand will retain the core of the squad that swept the gold medals in the team and regular events at the 2002 Asiad in Busan, South Korea. With experienced campaigners like Suebsak Phunsueb, Worapot Thongsai and Prasert Pongpung, the Thais may extend their dominance in the men's team event for the third consecutive time.

Prasert was the mainstay of the Thai squad at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, and again at the 2002 Asiad. Suebsak made his international debut more than a decade ago and his deadly "horse serve" has made the 28-year-old virtually irreplaceable - and a household name at home.

In contrast, Malaysia's squad is mostly assembled from newcomers, with only four remaining from the side that won the silver medal in the 2002 Asian Games team event.

Only Mohammad Zulkarnain Mohamed Arif, Noor Ariffin Pawanteh, Rukman Mustapha and Mohd Azman Nasruddin have Asian Games experience. They will be expected to lead the new-look Malaysian team to their first gold medal at the Asian Games in 12 years.

The men's team event begins with Malaysia taking on Indonesia, Korea meeting Indonesia and Burma facing Japan. All three matches are scheduled for 9am Doha time (1pm Bangkok time) on Saturday.

Meanwhile, HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana is likely to partner Saralee Thungthongkham in Thailand's opening match against Singapore in the badminton competition, which gets under way today.

Saralee is a regular partner of Sathinee Chankrajangwong. The pair, who are ranked No 7 in the world, finished runners-up in the Thailand Open this year apart from making the semi-finals of the Indonesia and Chinese Taipei opens.

After the training session at the Aspire Sport Academy, the team management changed the pairings. Thai team manager Sompol Kukasemkij said the Princess had had a light training session.

"I don't think it will be an easy match. Singapore have Chinese-born players in their team and we have a 1-1 head-to-head record. The last match should decide the outcome of the rubber," Sompol said.

"Everyone tried playing with a different partner just to gauge their compatibility, and the Princess partnered Saralee. However, the staff coaches will have the last word," Sompol said. The match will be held at 1pm local time (5pm Bangkok time) today.

Thailand's men will take on Vietnam today, and Sompol is not writing off the Vietnamese. "We will be underestimating them at our own peril. We have to be careful."

Preechachan     Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

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