Thailand hand All-Star Europe a drubbing

Indonesia tamed the Philippines 4-0, Malaysia outclassed Singapore and All-Star Asia crushed Vietnam with the same margin. Only the All-Star Europe side foiled Thailand’s desperate attempts of making a clean sweep.

The Thai squad were spearheaded by local ace Boonsak Ponsana and Ratchanok Intanon in the men’s and women’s singles events.

Boonsak, world No 12, opened the account for Thailand with an exceptional 21-16 21-11 win over Russian Vladimir Ivanov, ranked 28th in the world.

The women’s singles rubber was a rematch of the All-England singles final where Ratchanok, world No 8, lost to Danish veteran Tine Baun.

The 18-year-old Ratchanok, who has been selected as one of the nominees for the BWF Most Promising Player of the Year, the awards of which will be announced in May, stunned the world No 7 and the All England champion with a magnificent come-from-behind 2-1 (9-21 21-13 21-12) victory.

Thailand stretched the lead to 3-0 when the mixed doubles pair of Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thoungthongkam, world No 6, brushed aside England’s Nathan Robertson and Jenny Wallwork 21-11 21-17.

However, Ivan Sozonov and Vladimir Ivanov dashed Thailand’s dreams of making a clean sweep. The Russian men’s duo fought back to beat  Boonsak and Songphon Anugritayawon 18-21 21-18 21-8. 

On Saturday, Indonesia remained on top of the overall standings with 19 points. Malaysia with a scintillating win over Singapore surged ahead of Thailand to second place. Malaysia have 18 points while Thailand are just one point behind. The All-Star Asia have 15 points and are in fourth place, while the All-Star Europe, Singapore, Vietnam and underdogs the Philippines came in fifth to eight positions with 13, 7, 5 2 points respectively. Indonesia were due to take on Europe  while Malaysia were to play the All-Star Asia, Vietnam were to meet Singapore and Thailand faced the Philippines.