Thai hopes rest on doubles team
Thailand's Davis Cup team have their backs to the wall after they lost their opening rubbers to fall 0-2 behind South Korea in their Asia/Oceania Zone Qualifying Group II play-off at the Gimchoen Total Sports Town Tennis Courts in Gimchoen yesterday.
The absence of ailing Thai No 1 Danai Udomchoke took its toll on the team as Kittipong Wachiramanowong and Danai's replacement, Peerakiat Sirilue-thaiwattana, were unable to pose much of a challenge to the host team. Peerakiat lost to Lim Yong-kyu 3-6 3-6 3-6 before Kittipong went down to Kim Young-jun 2-6 3-6 5-7. "It all came down to experience. I gave everything I had but he played better,'' said Thai No 2 Kittipong.
The dismal start for the Kingdom left twin brothers Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana a must-win task when they step on court this morning for the doubles rubber. "We will just stick to our game plan. Of course, we are under pressure as we cannot lose. But we are confident that we can win if we play to our standard,'' said Sanchai who won a Challenger trophy with his brother in China last week.
