Thailand sweeps Philippines in Davis Cup semis

Thailand won the reverse singles on Sunday to complete a 5-0 sweep of the Philippines in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group 2 semifinal round at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthanburi, north of Bangkok. (Photo: Alosh Bennett/ Flickr)

MANILA–Thailand won the reverse singles on Sunday to complete a 5-0 sweep of the Philippines in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group 2 semifinal round at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthanburi, north of Bangkok.

World’s No. 725 Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul defeated Patrick John Tierro, 6-4, 6-1, while Jirat Navasirisomboon downed Alberto Lim Jr., 6-4, 6-2, at the National Tennis Development Center outdoor court in Muang Thong Thani.

Thailand has earned the right to face Pakistan in the final after Ratiwatana twins Sonchai (No. 87) and Sonchai (No. 92) posted a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory of Patrombon last Saturday.

”We are pleased with the overall result as everybody played a crucial role in our victory. We didn’t want the tie to be decided on the final day,” Sonchat was quoted as saying in an interview with The Bangkok Post.

The Thai newspaper also quoted Thailand captain Vittaya Samrej as saying “our players did very well and we are very happy to qualify for the final”.

Thailand won its first two points in the best-of-five tie on Friday when Trongcharoenchaikul prevailed over Lim, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 6-3, and Navasirisomboon conquered Patrombon, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1, 6-1.

The final between Thailand and Pakistan will be played in Pakistan on September 15-17, with the winner being promoted to Group 1 next year and the loser staying in Group 2.

The Philippines, which is now 4-3 against Thailand in their head- to-head record, will remain in Group 2.