Thai duo to make Davis Cup debut

The country’s No 1 leads a team featuring No 2 Kittipong Wachiramanowong, debutants Natthanon Katchapanun and Pratchaya Isaro. Natthanon and Pratchaya will replace twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana, who have opted to focus on professional tournaments.

“Our target is to win the tie. However, though our team is higher up the world rankings, we will be disadvantaged by the weather conditions in Kuwait. But we are  still confident of progressing to the next round and playing either Philippines or Syria,” said team manager Gen Theera Kraipanich, also secretary-general of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT). 

Theera said that it was LTAT policy “blood” young players like Natthanon and Pratchaya at the international level, where they could gain experience and get used to the pressure of carrying the Thai flag. 

“It’s a big decision to bring in these two young players. It’s an experiment based on trust, as we believe they will try their best to uphold national honour,” he added.

Theera said, however, that there was an option for Thailand to field Danai and Kittipong for the doubles if after the opening day’s singles, the tie was deadlocked at 1-1. 

The team practised yesterday at the National Tennis Development Centre in Muang Thong Thani, with Danai absent on police-cadet training duties. 

“I have a minor shoulder injury but it shouldn’t be a big deal,” said Kittipong. “I will try to win the singles rubber on the first day to put our team in a good position.”

The team will leave for Kuwait tomorrow and spend the week getting acclimatised to Kuwaiti conditions, with Danai due to join them on Monday.