Badminton-Thais down, Japan promoted in Sudirman Cup

GLASGOW, June 16 (Reuters) Thailand lost their place in division one of the Sudirman Cup world team event when they lost 3-2 to Hong Kong in a relegation playoff.

They will be replaced in the eight-strong elite group at the 2009 edition by Japan, who beat Singapore 3-2 in the second division promotion playoff.

The Hong Kong women's doubles pair of Wai Chee Koon and Hoi Wah Chau clinched the contest with Thailand, surviving a matchpoint before emerging 21-15 15-21 22-20 winners over Duanganong Aroonkesorn and Kunchala Voravichitchaikul yesterday.

In today's semi-finals, holders China play South Korea and England are up against Indonesia.

A total of 48 countries have been taking part in the week-long tournament which ends tomorrow.

Reuters AKD VP0445