The Philippines’ rammed into a stronger Thailand side yesterday and made an early exit in the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Schools Badminton Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The girls’ team of Gelita Castelo, Camille Yang, Jessalam Sampurma, Danica Bolos, Abigail Garcia, Dia Nicole Magno and Rochelle Andres proved no match to the Thais, who swept them, 5-0, in the knockout system five-day meet.
Nichaon Jindapol smashed Castelo, 21-9, 21-12, Prangnuch Lerthiran trounced Yang, 21-6, 21-9, and Nuttaya Sanlekanun smothered Sampurma, 21-14, 21-2, in the singles matches.
Thailand completed the rout behind Artima Serithamarak and Chayanit Chadchalam, who thumped Bolos and Garcia, 21-11, 21-5; and Salina Somri and Boonsita Thumpanichwong, who blasted Magno and Andres, 21-8, 21-13, in the doubles.
The RP’s boys squad fared no better as Joper Escueta, Peter Gabriel Magnaye and brother Patrique Francisco, John Robert Ner, Greg Paz and Lance Bautista absorbed a crushing 0-5 defeat.
Pisit Poodfchalat walloped Escueta, 21-12, 21-10, Nipiphong Phuangpuaphet blasted Magnaye, 21-17, 21-11, Pwarit Supasri slammed Ner, 21-13, 21-17, in the singles.
Sarayuth Seatung and Sermsin Wongaprom beat the Magnayes, 21-14, 21-16; while Bodin Isara and Pollawat Boonpan completed the rout with a 21-10, 21-15 win over Paz and Bautista in the doubles. – Joey Villar