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Published on December 11, 2007

The hosts established a stranglehold in the men's competition after all of their ten fighters managed to book berths in the semi-finals.

The ease with which the three Thais won suggested they stand a good chance of crossing the target of 10 gold medals. However, an acid test awaits in tomorrow's finals where they will be tested  by Filipinos, who dominated the event in Manila.

Light flyweight Sopida Satumrum, who was making her international debut, set the ball rolling by  defeating Indonesia's Rumiris Nursita 15-4. The 17-year-old will meet Alice Apari of the Philippines, who won gold in the 46kg class two years ago.

Light bantamweight Usanakorn Thawinsuwanawang kept up the momentum handing boxing lessons to Yunike Busira in a lopsided fight.

The last time's lone gold winner for Thais caused all sorts of trouble for Busira and it seemed the Thai could not miss with her left. The bout was stopped in the second round with the Thai leading 18-3.

The 22-year-old Usanakorn will face old foe Annalisa Cruz of the Philippines, whom she beat in Manila.  Lightweight Sumittra Ngoksungnoen rounded off a glorious day for the hosts beating Thi Hien le of Vietnam to set up final date with Filipino Mitchel Martinez.

Kitinan Sanguansak

 The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima