Twins win key doubles
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Amazing twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana trounced their opponents in straight sets and put Thailand in the driver's seat with a 2-1 lead over hosts Indonesia in the Davis Cup Zone Qualifiers Group II second round tie at the Gelora Bung Karno Tennis St
The doubles pair won the crucial opener 7-6 (8-6) against Christopher Rungkat and David Agung Susanto before cruising in the last two sets 6-2 6-1 for their first straight sets win over an Indonesian doubles team in the Davis Cup.
After splitting the singles on Friday, Thailand needs one more point from today’s singles to seal victory and a spot in the final in September against the Philippines, who emerged 3-0 winners against Pakistan.
“The first set was very tough. We were facing a set point at 5-6 but we made a good return, got a short ball and went for a winner. We toughed it out and took the first set. If we hadn’t won the first set, the result would have been different,” Sonchat said. “It’s a relief to win this point just like we expected. So, our team won’t have to shoulder so much pressure on Sunday,’’ said Sanchai, the younger twin.
Today’s programme kicks off at 10am with a match between Danai Udomchoke and Rungkat – a repeat of the last year’s SEA Games men’s singles final, when the Thai was stunned in straight sets. Kittipong Wachiramanowong will take on Aditya Hari Sasongko in the second match.
