Danai, Noppawan rue golden opportunity missed

The Thai squad, which reigned with four golds in 2007 and again in 2009, had to settle for just two golds this time out, including one from the women’s team.
Hosts Indonesia regained their status as a regional tennis powerhouse by winning three out of the seven titles on offer, taking the men’s singles and doubles, and women’s singles.
It was a disappointing ending for the Thai squad, whose hopes had been high after they made it to five finals. The men’s team lost narrowly to the Philippines, while former champion Danai Udomchoke looked sluggish in defeat to Christopher Rungkat in the men’s singles final. A similar fate befell Noppawan in Sunday’s women’s final against AyuFani Damayanti, following a schedule delayed several times by rain.
But after her lacklustre form in the singles showdown against an opponent she had beaten in the women’s team final, Noppawan salvaged pride by teaming up with Nungnadda Wannasuk to trounce countrywomen Varatchaya Wongteanchai and Nicha Lertpitaksinchai 6-3 6-2 in the all-Thai women’s doubles final.
Yesterday, Nungnadda and Sanchai Ratiwatana picked up a bronze medal after losing a hardfought mixed doubles semifinal to Jessy Priskila and Christopher Rungkat 6-1 3-6 12-10. Christopher Rungkat and Elbert Sie hoisted the men’s doubles gold for Indonesia after a threeset win (2-6 6-2 10-7) against Filipino Treat Conrad Huey and Cecil Mamiit.
The Philippines followed up their men’s team’s triumph with a second gold after Denise Dy and Huey beat Jessy Priskila Rom and Rungkat 4-6 6-3 10-6 in the mixed doubles final.
In the men’s and women’s singles finals late on Sunday, Danai went down to Christopher Rungkat 6-2 6-2 while Noppawan lost to Ayu Damayanti 6-4 6-1.