Thailand began their Sudirman Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over India in the BWF mixed team world championship in Vantaa, Finland, on Sunday.
Pornpawee Chochuwong, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai and Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai won their matches while men's doubles pair Supak Jomkoh and Kittinupong Kedren were beaten in Thailand's opening Group A tie at Energia Areena.
Women's singles star Pornpawee defeated Malvika Bansod 21-11, 21-14 to put Thailand on level terms with India after Supak and Kittinupong lost the opening match against MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila 21-18, 21-17.
Kunlavut then gave the team a 2-1 advantage after beating Srikanth Kidambi 21-9, 21-19 in the men's singles tie before women's doubles stars Jongkolphan and Rawinda defeated Ashwini Ponnappa and Reddy N Sikki 23-21, 21-8 to give Thailand an unassailable 3-1 lead.
Mixed doubles pair Dechapol and Sapsiree Taerattanachai won the fifth rubber to make it 4-1 as they beat Sai Praneeth B and Tanisha Crasto 21-13, 21-11.
Reigning champions China, who are also in Group A, opened with an easy 5-0 win over hosts Finland.
In another early result, Taiwan defeated Tahiti 5-0 in Group B.
Thailand play Finland while China take on India on Monday.
There are four teams in each of the four groups. The winners and runners-up from each group will progress to the knockout stage.
Thailand reached the semi-finals in 2019 but lost 3-0 to China who went on to claim their 11th title in Nanning.
