Asia/Oceania Zone Group II: Saturday

Thailand progressed to the Asia/Oceania Zone Group II second round after their doubles victory over Sri Lanka gave them an unassailable 3-0 lead.

The player rankings always had the visitors as the firm favourites for this tie and all the action has gone according to the script. Thailand were 2-0 up on Friday following singles wins from Kittiphong Wachiramanowong and Danai Udomchoke before Weerapat Doakmaiklee and Sanchai Ratiwatana teamed up to overcome Amresh Jayawickrema and Dineshkanthan Thangarajah 60 64 62 in Saturday’s doubles and secure victory for them in this tie. They will face the winner of the clash between Indonesia and Hong Kong, China in April’s second round.

Indonesia sealed the doubles rubber to edge ahead of Hong Kong, China on day two at Victoria Park in Hong Kong. Christopher Rungkat and David Agung Susanto saw off Jonathan Chu and Cheuk-Wai Hui 62 62 62 in one hour 43 minutes to give the visitors a 2-1 lead going into the reverse singles. Hong Kong, China are looking for their first victory over Indonesia in their sixth attempt.

The weather finally played ball on Saturday in Jounieh to allow Friday’s singles matches to get underway a day later than planned. Pakistan recorded an early advantage with a straight sets win for Aisam Qureshi over Karim Alayli before Bassam Beidas brought the tie level after overcoming Aqeel Kahn 61 63 62.

Philippines also advanced to the second round after seeing off Pacific Oceania 3-0. Singles wins from Jeson Patrombon and Treat Huey and a doubles victory from Johnny Arcilla and Ruben Gonzales Jr put the hosts safely through to the next stage of the competition.