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Published on December 10, 2007

While the men's team cruised past unfancied Indonesia 3-0, the women's team needed the decisive doubles to claim victory after more than eight hours at the His Majesty The King's 80th Anniversary Stadium courts.

In the first match, Indonesia's Romana Tedjakusuma, who also represented her country in the Chiang Mai Games 12 years ago, relied on her extensive experience to outlast local No 2 Nudnida Luangnam 2-6 6-4 6-4 after two hours and 25 minutes.

Then Tamarine Tanasugarn fought off four match points to edge out Sandy Gumulya 5-7 6-1 7-5 amidst some relieved 1,000 fans surrounding the fence of court No 2. The Thai was down 4-5 and faced four match points but gritted her teeth to win three games in a row and level the tie for the home team.

The veteran later teamed up with Napaporn Tongsalee to win the crucial doubles against Wynne Prakusya and Angelique Widjaja in straight sets 6-2 6-4 to live up to the expectations of the fans.

"This gold medal is very important for the team as it will be a good start for other events to come. I thank all the team members for the job well done,'' said Tamarine, who won the team gold medal for the first time after coming close in the 1997 edition in Jakarta.

The local star, who will play her first singles match this week, said she had no idea of the four match points against her as she was so focused on the game.  "I just tried to fight every point as I didn't play a 100 per cent,'' said Tamarine who has now won two SEA Games gold medals, the first being 1995 singles.

Napaporn had a roller-coaster ride in the doubles but she picked herself up when it really mattered. She missed a series of shots but at the same time was capable of generating spectacular shots. "I was so nervous because we had never beaten the Indonesian pair. This is such a great way to end my career,'' said Napaporn who plans to become a flight attendant.

In the men's singles, Weerapat Doakmaiklee picked the first point for Thailand after he shrugged off a sluggish start to beat 17-year-old Christopher Rungkat 6-2 6-2 in 61 minutes.

Then Danai Udomchoke outclassed Elbert Sie 6-1 6-3 in just 50 minutes to seal the victory for his team. In the inconsequential doubles match, Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana beat Rungkat and Sie 6-2 6-1. "I'm so happy because we haven't won the team gold since the Games in Brunei [in 1999],'' Danai said.

Weerapat was also jubilant about his maiden Games gold. "I was nervous in the first four games but after I broke for 3-2, everything went my way. I'm so happy because this is my biggest achievement yet.  I dedicate this gold to my parents who drove a long way from Chonburi to support me,'' said Weerapat, who aims to win at least a bronze in the singles.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation