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Published on December 16, 2007

The loss to defending champions Andy Ardiyansah and Koko Darkuncoro of Indonesia forced the men's side to look for success another day at the Games.

Up against the Indonesian duo, Thais Borworn Yungtin and Sataporn Sawangrueang, cheered on by the home crowd, did their best but could not cope with the reigning champions' powerful spiking. The Thais went down in two straight sets.

They initially managed to match their opponents, but appeared to crack under pressure, making unforced errors, before losing 21-17. The Indonesians maintained their form and kept the hosts at bay with a variety of balls. The Thais tried to stay in contention, but eventually lost again 21-19.

"Our first ball was not good as was our spiking. The Indonesians deserved the win as they are the better team.  "Considering that Borworn and I trained together for just a few weeks, the silver was a great achievement for us," said the 30-year-old Sataporn.

Sataporn's view was echoed by Borworn who believed he could develop a fruitful partnership with his new partner, after his former partner Sonthi Boonrueng suffered a broken leg in a motorcycle accident earlier this year.

The women's team, in contrast, stamped their authority by setting up an all-Thai affair in the final before Kamoltip Kulna and Yupa Phokongploy prevailed in a close contest. It was the third time in succession that the Thais have won.

Kamoltip and Yupa demonstrated why they are the country's current No 1 pair by fending off a stiff challenge from Jarunee Sannok and Usa Tenpaksee to record a 2-1(23-21, 17-21 and 16-14) victory.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima