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NANNING, May 22-- Japan had an unexpected defeat from world's No. 4 Akane Yamaguchi, but still managed for a 4-1 win over Thailand to lead their Group 1A, as both sides advanced to the last eight of the Sudirman Cup here on Wednesday evening. In the second match of the women's singles, the 20th-ranked Pornpawee Chochuwiong rallied from one game down to topple Yamaguchi 9-21, 21-14, 22-20 in 71 minutes. "I lost the match mainly from the second game when I was pushed too hard and failed to make the right adjustment," said Yamaguchi. In the opening men's doubles, world No. 2 Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda whitewashed Thai combination of Kittiunpong Kedre and Nipitphon Phuangphuapet 21-14, 21-13 in just 38 minutes. After Yamaguchi lost her singles, top-ranked Kento Momota cruised over Sitthikom Thammasin in the men's singles 21-19, 21-10, giving Japan a 2-1 lead. "From the beginning of the match, my opponent put a lot of pressure on me, that's why I lagged behind all the way in Game 1," said Momota, adding that in the knockout stage he is expecting to meet China. Japan sealed its victory in the women's doubles when Rio Olympic winners Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi knocked off Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai 21-17, 21-17 in one hour. In the last mixed-doubles, Arisa Higashino and Yuta Watanabe beat Savitree Amitrapai/Dechapol Puavaranukroh 21-11, 21-14. | 
