Thailand's Uber Cup team had to settle for a bronze medal after losing to China 3-0 in the semi-finals of the BWF world women's team championship in Aarhus, Denmark, on Friday.
The last-four meeting was a rematch of the 2018 championship, won by Thailand 3-2.
Thailand suffered the worst possible start when the country's top singles player Ratchanok Intanon was forced to pull out of the opening match with a shoulder injury.
Ratchanok's much-anticipated participation lasted just seven points after the world No.6 withdrew from her singles match against Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Chen Yufei.
It was Ratchanok's first tournament back since the Olympics. The 26-year-old former world champion took some time off from the sport following her mother's death in August.
Tokyo Games silver medallists Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan put China 2-0 ahead with a 21-15, 21-10 doubles win against Rawinda Prajongjai and Puttita Supajirakul.
He Bingjiao then defeated Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-15, 21-16 to send China into the title decider against defending champions Japan, who beat South Korea 3-1 in the other semi-final.
Thailand were runners-up to Japan in 2018 -- their best ever Uber Cup result.
In the Thomas Cup semi-finals yesterday, Indonesia were to face Denmark while China and Japan were to meet in the second match.
