Thailand thrash South Africa 5-0

JAKARTA May 8 - Thailand, boosted its chances of topping Group C, with a 5-0 whitewash of debutants South Africa, in the Thomas Cup Finals, at the Istora Senayan Indoor Senayan, here Saturday.

The Thais despite resting their singles ace, Boonsak Ponsana, probably for Sunday's clash against Malaysia, were still too good for the debutants, clinching the deciding points through two singles and a doubles match.

Thirayu Laohathaimongkol gave his team a flying start by beating Chris Dednam 15-1, 15-2, while Anupap Thiraratsakul beat Dean Potgieter 15-8, 15-5 to put the Thais 2-0. Pramote Teerawiwatana-Tesana Panvisvas then whipped Chris Dednam-Dorian James 15-2, 15-1 put the result beyond doubt.

Not to be outdone by his teammates, Adisak Wiriyapadungpong came on to crush Wiaan Viljoen 15-2, 15-1 in the third singles while Sudekt Prapkamol-Patapol Ngernsrisuk completed the rout after beating Roelof Dednam-Dean Potgieter 15-3, 15-3.

In another Group C match Friday, Malaysia also beat South Africa 5-0.

Meanwhile in a Group B match, Germany, making its second appearance in the Thomas Cup Finals, beat debutant New Zealand 4-1. - Bernama