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Published on October 17, 2007

The Thai team runners-up in the previous edition in Singapore two years ago  were left reflecting on their narrow defeat to the Philippines on their off day yesterday.

Although the result will not have much of a bearing on their chances of qualification, the hosts now face a harder job of finishing the round-robin stage on top to get easier rivals in the semi-finals.

Thailand need to overcome the Malaysians by a bigger margin than the 80-76 loss to the Filipinas in order to top the group.

Without the added pressure, the match against the reigning SEA Games champions, Ma-laysia, was deemed as the most difficult test for the home team in the five-country competition.

Vicharn Charoentham, the Thai team's assistant coach, said his side faced a tough examination.

"The loss to the Philippines served as a wake-up call. We made some tactical mistakes. Now, we are keen to right the wrongs against the Malaysians.

"It will certainly be a stern task. They are strong defensively and good at fast breaks," said Vicharn.

Meanwhile, the Philippines maintained their fine run by defeating Indonesia 70-54, while Malaysia continued their winning streak with a convincing 90-64 triumph over Singapore in yesterday's fixtures.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation

Phuket