Despite wins over Hong Kong and Singapore, the defeat threatens Thailand's chances of reaching tomorrow's knockout stage against the winner of Pool B for a ticket into the World Group II play-offs. Thailand conceded the first singles rubber when Montinee Tangphong, playing with a hamstring injury, lost to Akgul Amanmuradova 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-2 in two hours and 10 minutes. But Tamarine Tanasugarn struck back for Thailand by taming Iroda Tulyaganova 6-3 6-2.

The two Uzbek women paired up to seize the decisive point in the doubles with a 6-4 0-6 6-4 win over Tamarine and Napaporn Tongsalee to take over top spot in the group from Thailand after three wins and one defeat.

However, Thailand are not yet out of the fray. They meet South Korea in their last round-robin match today knowing they must scoop all three rubbers. A 3-0 margin would yield a better record of set wins than that of Uzbekistan, who have finished their programme.