Thais avoid historic relegation despite Luksika's absence

The Kingdom finished third in the pool stage following a stunning defeat to South Korea in the last round-robin tie on Friday and had to take on Hong Kong who finished bottom from pool A in a play-off to avoid relegation to group II next year. Thailand have never fallen below group I.
Opting to rest ace player Luksika Kumkhum who was exhausted from the pool competition, Thailand sent Patcharin Cheapchandej for the first rubber up against the 761st-ranked Eudice Wong Chong, who staged a solid performance to stun the 502nd ranked Thai 6-3 6-3.

“I didn’t play up to my level. My serves let me down while she was playing so well. I already tried my best,” said Patcharin.
However, Thai No 2 and world No 224 Peangtarn Plipuech came to remedy the situation as she relied on her all-court game to beat Zhang Ling, No 331 in the world, 6-4 6-4 to level the tie.
The tireless Peangtarn later went back on court alongside Nicha Lertpitaksinchai to win the decisive doubles rubber against Wong and Zhang Ling 6-3 6-1 to guarantee a spot in Group I for Thailand next year. Hong Kong, meanwhile, will be relegated to Group II.

Peangtarn was the saviour for Thailand as she carried a big load of pressure on her shoulders in replacement of Luksika and got the mission accomplished.
“I went on to the court thinking I had nothing to lose because I had poor record against her (Zhang). Then in the doubles I tried to drive away all the pressure as I wanted to help the team win,” said the 25-year-old Peangtarn.
Despite having their back against the wall, captain Vittaya Samrej believed his team would turn the tide.
“I was confident that our players were going to fight back and win in the end. We had a meeting the night before and I saw that every one was willing to fight hard to stay in the group. It’s their never-give-up attitudes that was the key.”