Pruchya injury ROCKS Thailand as Kittipong Rescues Point to Level With Taiwan
THE DAVIS Cup clash between Thailand and Taiwan delivered dramatic scenes yesterday when Thai No 1 Pruchya Isarow retired injured against Lee Kuan-Yi after Kittipong Wachiramanowong had earlier upset Yang Tsung-Hua, leaving the tie delicately balanced at
Pruchya was trailing Lee 6-7 |(3-7) and 0-5 when he decided to quit, citing injuries to both legs. The blow came after Kittipong got the hosts off to a great start by stunning No 447 Yang 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 6-1 in two hours and 20 minutes.
Pruchya’s retirement left a big question as to why the Thai No 1 had been picked for this Zonal Qualifier, with promotion to Group I next year at stake, when he was obviously in no condition to play. Pruchya had both knees wrapped with ice packs for several days after the Men’s Futures in Hua Hin two weeks ago.
Thai captain Virat Baerrohim insisted he made the right decision in picking Pruchya who assured him he was okay to play.
“When your player insists he is capable of playing, there is no reason to take him out of the team. But if the tennis authorities say it’s my fault, I’m fine with that,” said the Thai skipper.
Pruchya apologised for not being able to complete the match.
“I’ve had the injury since Hua Hin but had felt better over the past seven days.
But I started feeling it during the match in the long rallies. I’m truly sorry for this,” said the Thai No 1, who is unlikely to play tomorrow.
Thai No 2 Kittipong was leading 5-2 in the first set before Yang fought back to force the tie-break. At 6-5 the Taiwanese thought he’d clinched the set with a winner down the line, but it was called out, rocking the concentration of Yang, who went on to lose the set.
The Thai No 2 dominated from then on, with impressive serves and groundstrokes forcing error after error from Yang and finally avenging his loss to the Taiwanese in a Bangkok Challenger in January.
“I tried to get the ball back as much as possible and wait until he missed.
“He seemed to be affected by the heat, especially in the third |set,” said the 26-year-old from Hat Yai.
“The first set was close. … After the line call, he lost his focus and I grabbed the opportunity. I’m happy to give Thailand a good start,” added Kittipong. Thailand entered the tie as underdogs but Kittipong’s surprise win has sparked hope of a possible upset. But pulling off such a feat would mean twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana must win today’s doubles rubber and Kittipong must win one of the two matches tomorrow.
One of the Ratiwatana twins is expected to fill in for Pruchya in tomorrow’s singles.
