Thailand’s Under-14 Boys Tennis Team Narrowly defeats South Korea in a thrilling match to advance to the semifinals and secure a ticket to the "World Championship Finals".
On 1 May 2026, the results of the World Junior Tennis Championship, under-14 boys team category, Asian/Oceania zone qualifying round, "2026 ITF World Junior Tennis, Asia/Oceania Finals Qualifying Event," held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, saw the Thai national team face South Korea in the quarterfinals.
In the first match, second singles player “Nong Anpun” Pannaphat Nimnuankul scored the first point for Thailand by defeating Hong Seung Yoo in straight sets, 7-6 (8-6 in tiebreak) and 6-1. However, South Korea leveled the score when first singles player “Nong Tan” Warit Lertsintapanon narrowly lost to Choi Ming On in three sets, 1-6, 6-1, and 5-7.
The doubles match, which decided the winner, paired Pannaphat with Warit against Hong Seung Yoo and Choi Ming On. The Thai duo lost the first set 4-6 but rallied to take the second set 6-1, tying the match 1-1. They then won the super tiebreak 10-8 in a thrilling finish, securing the overall victory 2-1 with set scores of 4-6, 6-1, and 10-8 in the super tiebreak.
In summary, the Thai under-14 boys tennis team delivered an excellent performance by defeating South Korea 2-1 in matches to advance to the semifinals, where they will face Japan. Additionally, Thailand secured a spot among the final four teams to compete in the "2026 ITF World Junior Tennis" Finals, the world’s round of 16.
"Coach X," Mr. Pacharapol Khamsaman, head coach of the Thai national team, praised and thanked all athletes for their dedication and best efforts in each match. He also expressed gratitude to the parents for their crucial support in preparing the athletes consistently for competition. Importantly, he thanked Mr. Suchai Pornchaisakudom, President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, Mr. Thaitanu Wannasuk, the association's secretary-general, the board of directors for their full support of the Thai team, and the Thai supporters.
"By reaching the final four, the Thai national team has secured qualification for the Finals, the world’s last stage of the competition, even before the tournament has concluded," Coach X said.
Coach X, Pacharapol Khamsaman, recently achieved outstanding success as captain, leading the Thai women’s national tennis team to win the "2026 Billie Jean King Cup," the world women’s team tennis championship, and secured the right to compete in the World Group playoff last April.
Meanwhile, the Thai men’s national tennis team delegation includes "Coach X," Pacharapol Khamsaman as head coach, Mr. Phantiva Chaouthai as trainer, and three under-14 male junior players: “Nong Anpun” Pannaphat Nimnuankul, “Nong Tan” Warit Lertsintapanon, and “Nong Denis” Denis Kiewraksa from Chonburi.