The men's quartet, spearheaded by Sittichai Suwornprateep, had won the Asian Games titles, clocking 39.21sec, for the second straight time in the recent Doha Asiad, edging out the Japanese in a photo-finish.

Nongnuch Sanrat has been the mainstay of the women's sprint quartet in the Asian Championships, despite their humiliating disqualification in the recent Asiad due to dismal baton hand-over tactics.

Pol Maj-General Supanut Ariyamongkol, deputy secretary-general of Athletic Association of Thailand (AAT) and national team manager told The Nation yesterday that the association will soon hold a selection trial and only those who prove their worth will make the trip to Japan.

"We want to field only our best athletes. It's a world-class event, where some of the best athletes are expected to participate," he said.

"After the Asian Games, our athletes have had only a few events to test themselves. I think they will gain in experience from the Osaka meet. It will also serve as a stepping stone for our athletes before they take part in the next World University Games and the SEA Games alike," he added. AAT will be sending a team of 10 athletes, including five men to compete in the meet.

"The names of the athletes have not been finalised as they have to take part in a selection trial. We will pick only those who show great form in the trial."

The squad will leave for Osaka on May 3.

Teerapot Taweewanabul

The Nation