Thais team up to conquer Indonesia

Sports News : Monday December 10, 2007

SEA GAMES / TENNIS

Thais team up to conquer Indonesia

TOR CHITTINAND

Nakhon Ratchasima _ Thailand swept gold medals in the men's and women's team events by beating Indonesia in both finals yesterday. But while the Thai men scored an easy 3-0 win, the women needed more than eight hours to triumph 2-1.

In the men's final, Weerapat Doakmaiklee beat Christopher Rungkat 6-2, 6-2; Danai Udomchoke defeated Elbert Sie 6-1, 6-3; and twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana saw off Sie and Rungkat 6-2, 6-1.

It was Thailand's first victory in the event since the Brunei Games in 1999.

''I am very happy to win the gold medal in the team event,'' said Asian Games champion Danai. ''It has been a long time since we last won the event.''

In the women's final, Nudnida Luangnam lost to Romana Tedjakusuma 6-2, 4-6, 4-6; Tamarine Tanasugarn beat Sandy Gumulya 5-7, 6-1, 7-5; and Tamarine and Napaporn Tongsalee beat Wynne Prakusya and Angelique Widjaja 6-2, 6-4.

Tamarine, who only played in the doubles in the previous rounds, had to save four matches points before finishing off Gumulya.

''This is my first SEA Games gold medal in the team event so I am very happy,'' said Tamarine. ''Credit to my team-mates who played very well from the first match to the final.''

She said the win boosted her confidence before she begins her campaign in the singles.

RESULTS

Final

Men's team: Thailand beat Indonesia 3-0 _ Weerapat Doakmaiklee beat Christopher Rungkat 6-2, 6-2; Danai Udomchoke beat Elbert Sie 6-1, 6-3; Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana beat Rungkat and Sie 6-2, 6-1

Women's team: Thailand beat Indonesia 2-1 _ Nudnida Luangnam lost to Romana Tedjakusuma 6-2, 4-6, 4-6; Tamarine Tanasugarn beat Sandy Gumulya 5-7, 6-1, 7-5; Tamarine and Napaporn Tongsalee beat Wynne and Angelique 6-2, 6-4

By : Bangkok Post