PETALING JAYA: Malaysia could take note of Friday’s early upset at the 34th Thomas Cup in Horsens after one of the fancied teams slipped up.
France, who arrived as European champions and were backed by four strong men’s singles players, had been tipped as one of the teams capable of lifting the trophy.
Instead, they suffered a shock 4-1 defeat to Thailand in their opening Group D tie at Forum Horsens.
World No. 2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn gave Thailand the perfect start by beating Christo Popov 21-15, 22-20 to end a four match losing streak against the Frenchman dating back to 2023.
“The shuttle was very fast, I always had to cover the net and keep up the pressure. If I don’t play fast I cannot control the game. He’s got a crazy style, very fast and very strong, he has many skills, and his attack and defence are very nice,” said Kunlavut in an interview with Badminton World Federation.
Thailand tightened their grip when second singles player Panitchapon Teeraratsakul defeated last year’s European champion Alex Lanier 21-17, 21-19. France pulled one point back through Toma Popov Junior, who cruised past Puritat Arree 21-6, 21-7.
But Thailand sealed victory when Ruttanapak Oupthong and Dechapol Puavaranukroh beat Julien Maio and William Villeger 21-15, 17-21, 21-10.
Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakkapon Teeraratsakul then wrapped up the tie with an 11-21, 21-11, 21-12 win over the Popov brothers.
Thailand will face Indonesia today, with the winners set to secure a quarter-final place after Indonesia began with a 5-0 win over Algeria.
The defeat leaves France under heavy pressure, as they must not only beat Algeria today, but also overcome Indonesia in their final Group D tie on Tuesday, while hoping Algeria can pull off an upset against Thailand.
