Host Philippines drew powerhouse Thailand as opening foe in the team competition kicking off Tuesday the 14th ASEAN Schools badminton championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Powered by world-ranked players who beat the Chinese in the Asian 15-under championships last year, Thailand is heavily favored over the hosts, who don’t have much to show but Palarong Pambansa gold medals.

The boys’ competitions start at 10 a.m., while the girls get going at 2 p.m.

Indonesia and Malaysia took a bye in Monday’s draw leaving the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore to mix it up in a single-round knockout system.

“We would have preferred to face Singapore or Brunei,” said RP coach Ronald Magnaye after the draw held at the Mabuhay Manor Hotel. “It will be an uphill battle for my players.”

The Thais are expected to field World Grand Prix qualifiers Pisit Poodchalat and Chayanit Chaladchalam.

The country will be bannered by Joeffer Escueta, Patrick Magnaye, Peter Magnaye, Kenneth Monterubio, John Ner, Lance Bautista, Greg Paz and Jerold Valle in the boys’ events.

The girls’ team is composed of Gelita Castillo, Abigail Garcia, Danica Bolos, Camilled Yang, Nicole Magno, Jessalam Sampura, Rochelle Andres and Jamie Valle.

Defending champion Indonesia will play world-ranked Evert Sukamta and Della Destiara.