AS expected, Thailand had no difficulty downing Malaysia 3-0 in their sepak takraw Group A tie at the Hanoi Sea Games yesterday.
Phutawan Sopa, Pattarapong Yupadee and Sittipong Khamcan put Thailand on the board with a straightforward 21-4, 21-19 win over Zarif Marican Ibrahim Marican, Aidil Aiman Azwawi and Afifuddin Razali in the opening match.
The experienced regu of Porchai Kaokaew, Yotsawat Uthaijaronsri and Pornthep Tinbangbon were equally efficient as they dispatched Faisal Fuad, Norfaizzul Abd Razak and Norizat Nordin 21-16, 21-11 for an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Thailand's Jirasak Pakbuangoen, Rachan Viphan and Kritsanapong Nontakote then completed the rout with a 21-9, 21-7 thrashing of Haziq Hairul Nizam, Redwan Hakim and Zulhasni Basri.
Despite the unconvincing performance, national coach Abdul Talib Ahmad commended his charges' fighting spirit yesterday.
He, however, admitted the Thais were superior in all aspects.
"Our first regu only made minor mistakes, but the Thais took advantage and opened a huge gap, especially in the first game," said Talib yesterday.
"My second regu were slightly more competitive but were let down by loose defending. The Thais were strong in both attack and defence."
Talib hopes his team will bounce back against Cambodia today.
"We have to work on our weaknesses quickly as after Cambodia, we will face Vietnam.
"The goal is to win both ties for a chance to win a silver medal. However, Vietnam will not be easy as they will have the fans on their side.
"My young charges have to show total commitment and focus only on the ties to achieve the target," he added.