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India beat Thailand in Thomas Cup thriller

February 24, 2010 17:49 IST

Chetan Anand lost his singles match but India still rolled over hosts Thailand and topped their group after Arvind Bhat and RMV Gurusaidutt won their respective matches in the Thomas Cup (Asia Zone) qualifiers in Nakornratchasima on Wednesday.

India, who won 3-2, had earlier stream-rolled Sri Lanka and Combodia in the tournament.

The Indians were pushed on the backfoot initially when world number 15 Chetan lost his first singles to 32nd ranked Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk 18-21, 14-21 in 28 minutes.

The visitors found themselves in further trouble when Sanave Thomas and Rupesh Kumar lost the second match against Patipat Chalardchaleam and Thitipong Lapoe 19-21, 20-22 in 36 minutes.

However, world number 33 Arvind pulled off the third match, beating Suppanyu Avihingsanon 21-15, 21-16 in 32 minutes to give India a glimmer of hope.

After that, the experienced doubles pair of V Diju and newcomer Akshay Dewalkar registered a 16-21, 21-18, 21-14 victory over Tin D Caballes and Nipitphon Puangpuapech in 37 minutes to draw parity.

With both the teams tied at 2-2, young gun RMV Gurusaidutt joined the party and thrashed Watchara Buranakruea 21-6, 21-13 in just 25 minutes to help India top Group C.

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