The Kingdom gets off to a good start.

Thailand got off to a flying start after the country’s top  junior Bunyawi Thamchaiwat, ranked 629th in the world, upset world No 399 Prerna Bhambi 6-2 7-5  after one hour and 22 minutes.

 

 

 

Then Thai ace Luksika Kumkhum wrapped up the victory for Thailand by overcoming her inconsistent form to beat Ankita Raina 7-6 (7-5) 6-3. The Kingdom won the tie regardless of the doubles where  Kamowan Buayam and Peangtarn Plipuech beat Bhambri and Prathana Thombare beat 6- 7 (6-8) 6-2 6-4.

 

 

 

In her Cup debut, 17-year-old Bunyawi showed slight sign of nerves as she put up a great fight during several crucial points, dominating play with impressive groundstrokes under the windy condition.

 

 

 

“I was a bit under pressure representing Thailand for the first time. I tried to think that it was just another ITF Women’s Circuit event to rid off the pressure,” said the 17-year-old from Nakhon Ratchasima.

 

 

 

“In the second set I lost my concentration and let her lead 3-1. Then I told myself that I didn’t want to end up losing by not giving it a fight. So I went for my shots and it paid off,” said Bunyawi.

 

 

 

World No 149 Luksika had to dig deep to get herself off the hook at  3-5 in the first set tie-break and at a break point serving for the match at 3-5.

 

 

 

“I was still rusty in my first match (since the Australian Open) while she was playing incredibly well. She barely missed her shot and I had to hit the so deep that some time they went too long. But I’m happy to pull it off as everybody expected me to win,” said Luksika who is to take on the Uzbek Nigina Abduraimova whom she beat 6-3 6-0 in Hong Kong earlier this year, in today’s tie against Uzbekistan.

 

 

 

“Any team we play will be tougher from now on. Although I have a good record against Nigina, this match will be different. What I need now is to play the level that I want to,” said Luksika.

 

 

 

Thai captain Pracharapol Khamsaman was satisfied that his side lived up to the expectations. He was also positive that his side would have the edge over Uzbekistan in today’s second round robin.

 

 

 

“Bunyawi did a good job even it was her first time playing the Fed Cup while Luksika maximized her effort well when she needed it most. For the tie against Uzbekistan, it’s always tough everytime we meet them but most of the time we will win,” said Pracharapol.

 

 

 

In other Pool A results, Uzbekistan upset Japan 2-0 at press time. There was also a big shock in Pool B as Taiwan beat China 2-0 while top seed Kazakhstan blanked South Korea 3-0. 

 

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