A Herculean task awaits the badminton mixed-doubles team of Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thoungthongkham in the quarter-finals tomorrow.

They meet the world No 1 pairing from Indonesia, Nova Widianto and Liliyana Natsir. In 12 meetings, the Thailand duo has won just twice.

They booked this date thanks to an easy dispatch of less-experienced Canadians Mike Beres and Valerie Loker, ranked 64th.

Sudket and Saralee have a world ranking of eight and they were semi-finalists at the recent Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold and the Malaysia Open Super Series.

Yesterday's game was a one-sided encounter and over in just 23 minutes at 21-9 21-9.

But two-time world champions Widianto and Natsir  made hard work of defeating Koreans Han Sang-hun and Hwang Yu-mi 23-21 21-19.

"I think we are much stronger. However, we won't underestimate them," says Sudket.

Saralee says the pair will guard against unforced errors. "Anything can happen but I think they are not unbeatable. We have made it to the quarter-finals, better than our performance in Athens. We crashed out in the first round there."

Head coach Udom Luangpetcharaporn suggests Thailand will attack from the off.

"The Indonesians are tough and strong - you have to attack them right from the start. Don't let them control the game. You have to play with guts and courage.

"I admit our chances are slim. We have beaten them only twice in 12 encounters, and the last time was at home in the SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima."

Badminton association boss Charoen Wattanasin believes Sudket and Saralee will have to up their game to have any chance.

"They'll have to keep pace with their attack. If we are in top form, then we have a chance," he says.