Thai shuttlers shock Chinese

Last minute entrants Thailand caused a huge upset in the third Asia Cup badminton championships, surprising China 2-1 on the opening day of the team event on Thursday.

The Thais, who were included at the eleventh hour following the withdrawal of India, won both their singles matches to upset their fancied opponents.

World No. 82 Boonsak Polsana put the Thais on the road to victory when he shocked All-England runner-up Chen Hong, who is ranked world No. 4, 17-15, 8-15, 15-4.

However, China drew abreast by winning the doubles, after Zhang Wei and Zhang Jun got the better of Pramote Teerawiwatana and Tesana Panvisvas, 15-6, 12-15, 15-3,

In the decider, which was a thriller, Thailand's No. 90-ranked Anupap Thiraratsakul came from behind to get the better of Chen Yu 14-17, 15-12, 15-12 to clinch the issue for his team.

In another match, strong contenders Malaysia had an easy tie against Japan, winning 3-0.

Day 1 results:

Indonesia beat Singapore: 3/0
Hidayat bt Susilo (SIN) 16-17, 17-14, 17-16; Wijaya/Budiarto (INA) bt Lau/Santosa (SIN) 15-10, 15-7; Hendrawan (INA) bt Wijaya (SIN) 8-15, 15-11, 15-11.

Korea beat Hong Kong 3-0
Lee (KOR) bt Agus (HKG) 15-12, 15-9; Yoo/Lee (KOR) bt Liu / Njoto (HKG) 15-7, 15-10; Shon (KOR) bt Tam (HKG) 15-9, 15-3.

Malaysia beat Japan 3-0
Ong (MAS) bt Yamada (JPN) 17-15, 15-3; Chang/Chew (MAS) bt Masuda/T.Ohtsuka (JPN); Yong (MAS) bt S. Ohtsuka (JPN) 15-9, 15-4.

Thailand beat China 2-1
Ponsana (THA) bt Chen Hong (CHN) 17-15, 8-15, 15-4; Zhang/Zhang (CHN) bt Teerawiwanatana/Panvisvas (THA) 15-6, 12-15, 15/3; Thiraratsakul (THA) bt Chen Yu (CHN) 14-17, 15-12, 15-12.