SEA GAMES / PREPARATIONS

CHONLATHORN VORATHAMRONG OF THAILAND
SPLASHING HERS WAY IN 100M BACKSTROKE


TORWAI SETHSOTHORN OF THAILAND SPLASHING
HIS WAY IN THE 400M FREESTYLE.

Thailand seeking 150 golds at Korat Games

KITTIPONG THONGSOMBAT

Thailand expect to win up to 150 gold medals at next month's SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, according to a poll conducted by the national athletes' preparation committee.

The committee, chaired by Adm Suravudh Maharom, has appraised Thailand's chances in the December 6-15 Games with 485 golds up for grabs.

''We expect to finish on the top of the medal table with about 146-150 gold medals,'' Suravudh said.

''Our main rivals are Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia respectively.''

In the last Games in the Philippines in 2005, Thailand finished second with 87 golds, 78 silvers and 118 bronzes. The Kingdom won 26 golds fewer than the hosts.

Suravudh is worried about the men's football team who are seeking a record eighth straight title. He said he was informed that the squad were not well-prepared. ''I talked to football officials who said our team's preparations may not be good enough,'' said Suravudh.

''Vietnam are tipped to be our opponents in the final. It would be tough for us to win gold this time.''

In 2005, Thailand beat Vietnam 3-0 to win their seventh crown in a row. The Thais also defeated the Vietnamese in the 2003 final in Hanoi.

Among the golds Thailand hope to win in the Nakhon Ratchasima Games are 15 in athletics, 12 in shooting, 10 in amateur boxing, 10 in Muay Thai, eight in aquatic sports, seven in gymnastics, seven in rowing and six in sepak takraw.

# Young Thais should unfold exciting results

# Boxing