Thailand have emerged as overwhelming favourites for the gold in the team event, enjoying an edge over perennial rivals Malaysia.

Seven members of Thailand's 2002 gold-medal winning squad have been included in the team for the Doha Games, making the Kingdom the strongest contenders to take the sepak takraw gold when the competition begins today at the al-Sadd Indoor Hall.

Thailand have dominated this event, winning 10 of the 15 gold medals awarded since the sport was first introduced at the 1990 Asiad in Beijing. At both the Busan and Bangkok Games, the Thais secured five of six gold medals on offer.

The Thai men's team is led by Suebsak Phunsueb, arguably the finest male server in the sport's history. He is also expected to be included in both the team and regu events in Doha. Suebsak will be ably supported by the experienced trio of Worapot Thongsai, who, at 37, is the oldest player in the competition, as well as Sarawut Inlek and Prasert Pongpung, who all secured regu and team gold medals at the last Games in Busan.

Thailand's main threat will come from traditional rivals Malaysia. With both countries claiming to be the founders of the sport, the winners at the Doha Games will claim bragging rights in an ongoing battle played on and off the court.

Malaysia will enter the competition confident of breaking a 12-year gold drought, following a surprise win over Thailand in the regu event at last year's SEA Games in Manila.

Fast-improving Malaysian mainstays Ahmad Mohd Normanizam and Abd Ghani Mohd Futra will add valuable experience to a youthful squad that includes potential future stars Salleh Mohamed Saufi and Mohammed Hashim Ahmad Sufi.

Preechachan     Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Doha