The draw was held yesterday, and Asian champion Rapatkorn Prasopsuk will be the only Thai in action today against a Croatian opponent.

The following day will see three Thais step up to the mat, led by World University Games gold medallist Patiwat Thongsalab. His main obstacle is likely to be in the second round against old foe Ernesto Juan Mendoza, who won the gold medal at last year's SEA Games in the Philippines. Team-mate Watchara-porn Dongnoi, contesting the women's lightweight, has a tough draw against rivals from Europe and is not expected to get far.

Welterweight Dam Srichan has a first-round bye, but then faces the winner of the bout between German Adam Bakir and Iranian Rajoll Koroush.

On Saturday, Thailand will field four exponents.

On Sunday, the host nation will be represented by four exponents, including Athens Olympic heroine Yaowapa Boorapolchai in the women's finweight division. She has a first round bye then takes on a Russian.

Yaowapa has possibly the best chance of making it to the final.

Preechachan

Wiriyanupappong

The Nation