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Published on December 9, 2007

However, it was not a smooth journey to the finals with the men having to rally from behind to subdue defending champion Philippines 2-1. The women, on the other hand, enjoyed a much easier time in their 3-0 win against vulnerable Malaysia.

In a replay of the 2005 edition, Thailand surrendered their first point when the error-prone Weerapat Doakmaiklee went down to the more experienced Frederick Taino, before hot shot Danai Udomchoke rescued the local team with an impressive 6-4 6-4 win over Cecil Mamitt.

Then the pair of Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana proved too much for Taino and Mamitt to handle as they picked up the decisive doubles point with a 6-4 6-2 win to avenge their 0-3 defeat in Manila two years ago.

In the finals at 9am today, the men's team will face the less threatening Indonesia, who beat Vietnam 3-0 yesterday. Like Danai, the Ratiwatana siblings stand a good chance in the showdown with Indonesia and may grab their first Games gold medal from the team event.

The Thai women dropped just four games in their demolition of Malaysia. Suchanan Viratprasert whitewashed Chellapriya Vythinathan 6-0 6-0 before Nudnida Luangnam crushed Jawariah Noordin 6-0 6-3.

Tamarine Tanasugarn and Napaporn Tongsalee then teamed up to outclass Dorothy Chong and Huey Teng Sia 6-1 6-0.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation