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Published on December 16, 2007

Waree Nantasing and Payom Srihongsa, backed by a vocal crowd, came back from an unsteady start to crush Nguyen Duc Thu hien and Nguyen Hai thao of Vietnam  21-16 21-15 and capture the women's gold.

In the men's event, Rawat Phabchompoo and  Purich Pansira held their nerves to trounce Yudi Purnomo and Suko Hartono of Indonesia 21-13 21-17.

"The Indonesian feeder was not sure with the block and drop shots, as a result we kept attacking him. It was easier to play our game in the middle of the match as the gap was quite big," Rawat said.

Thai players' clean sweep of the eight gold in the discipline surpassed the initial target of six, making amends for their show in Manila, where they won only three gold.

The Thais also cornered six of the eight awards for players of the tournament. In the women's event, the 'Best Feeder' was Areerat Takhan, while Thidawan Daosakul won the 'Best Striker' prize. Nitinudda Kaewkhamsai received the 'Most Valuable Player' award. The 'Best Tackler' was Nguyen Thi bich of Vietnam.

In the men's category, Thai Suebsak Phansueb was selected the 'Best Tackler', while Suriyan Pe-chan was named the 'Best Feeder'.

The 'Most Valuable Player' award went to Singha Somsakul, while the 'Best Striker' was Husni Uba of Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the ASTAF has decided to act against the Burma Association for their players' refusal to compete despite their men's and women's teams and officials being present at the Games Village, according to the Malay Mail. Burma could be banned permanently or for a specific duration and fined US$3,000.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima