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Published on December 8, 2007

The men's team, without top player Danai Udomchoke, trounced Malaysia 3-0 while the women thrashed Burma with the same score.

Sonchat Ratiwatana got off to a flying start for the hosts after demolishing Kanagaraj Balakrishnan 6-1 6-1 before rising star Weerapat Doakmaiklee won 6-2 6-2 over Yew Ming Si.

"My opponent was nervous today as he made way too many errors," said Sonchat, the defending doubles champion along with brother Sanchai.

The siblings later teamed up to beat Adam Jay and Yew 6-2 6-2 for the country's third point.

Thai No 2 Weerapat had some difficulties with the winds and the court surface but adjusted his game in time to pull off a victory.

Thailand line up a clash against arch-rivals Philippines who blanked Cambodia 3-0. 

Weerapat will play veteran Eric Taino today and Danai   faces long-time rival Cecil Mamitt, who beat him in the  singles final in the last Games.

"Taino likes to chip and charge at the net. I need to hit of lot of good passing shots tomorrow," said Weerapat who won the team bronze in 2005.  Danai, the favourite for the singles gold medal, expects a herculean task against the Filipino team.

Among women, Suchanan Viratprasert dropped three games to beat Chit Su Yee Ma of Burma 6-1 6-2 and Nudnida Luangnam uprooted Mia Zaw Ky 6-1 6-0. Tamarine Tanasugarn and Napaporn Tongsalee paired up to beat Wai Phyo Su and Oung Thandar 6-0 6-0. Thailand play Malaysia  in the semi-finals today.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

 The Nation