FED CUP

Thailand defeat South Korea 2-1

TOR CHITTINAND

Thailand defeated South Korea 2-1 to reach the final of the Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1 in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday. In today's final Thailand will take on Taiwan.

Thailand had finished with the same number of points as Uzbekistan but went though having won more sets.

In yesterday's action Thailand won both singles matches so the doubles was a dead rubber.

Montinee Tangphong, ranked 346 in the world, was first up for Thailand and put on an impressive display defeating Cho Eun-Hye 6-2, 6-3.

Tamarine Tanasugarn, ranked 68, continued her good form with a 6-3, 6-4 defeat over Yoo Mi.

In the meaningless doubles match Lee Jin A and Yoo beat Tamarine and Napaporn Tongsalee 6-4, 6-2.

Team captain Vittaya Samrej said he was delighted with the team's performance in the competition.

''It is beyond our expectations,'' he said. ''Taiwan are a very tough team but we will do our best.''

The winner will advance to World Group II play-offs in July.

Meanwhile, Thailand's world number 86, Danai Udomchoke is heading for Morocco for his first clay court match of the season.

''I don't expect very much as clay is not my favourite surface but I will do my best,'' he said.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Saturday April 21, 2007