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Published on February 24, 2008

The 3-0 victory earned the Thai men the trip to Jakarta for the final, which will be held in May. Certain of a place in the final, the team rested Boonsak Ponsana and Poompat Sapkulchananart in the game against Malaysia.

In the first rubber, Thai rising star Pakkavat Vilailak was no match for world No 2 Lee Chong Wei and lost 21-11 21-15.

Later, Sudket Prapakamol and Phattapol Ngernsrisuk lost to world champions Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong 15-21 16-21. In the third rubber, Thanongsak Saensomboonsuk fell 21-19 15-21 19-21 to world No 16 Wong Choong Hann.

"We entered the game knowing very well Malaysia had the edge over our players, even with our full-strength team. We fielded the youngsters to gain from the experience," team manager Sompol Kukasemkij said. They will face the loser in the match between South Korea and Japan for third-place today.

In the qualifiers for the Uber Cup, Thai women edged past India 3-2 to take fifth place.

The Nation