Ratiwatana twins simply SUPERB

The twins outclassed the visitors with their superior net game in just two hours and 13 minutes to give the hosts an edge. Thailand need one victory in the remaining two rubbers today to reach Group I next year.

“We are pleased to win in only three sets instead of four or five. As Taiwan didn’t change the line-up, it was okay for us because we knew how to play them. Our plan is to put pressure on them at the net and it worked,” said Sonchat.

“We couldn’t play groundstrokes against them, as they hit big. Sometimes it was not easy to return their shots. So it was better to take charge at the net,’’ said Sanchai, the younger twin.

However, Thailand are likely to lose their fourth rubber against Yang Tsung-Hua today as the ailing Pruchya Isarow, who had to withdraw during the match against Lee Kuan-Yi on Friday, was still bothered by injuries to his knees. The Kingdom’s hopes of winning the tie solely rests on Kittipong Wachiramanowong, who must take the crucial point against Lee in the last rubber.

“If Kittipong can maintain the form that he showed against Yang, then we have a good chance of winning. I think Taiwan is the side that is under greater pressure as they came here as the favourites,” the twins said.

Taiwanese skipper Jinn-Yen Chiang hoped to turn the tide against Thailand by winning the remaining two singles today. “The weather is our problem. Although the Thai No 1 is injured, the No 2 player is still a tough player. But we will try our best to win this tie,” Chiang said.

The Thai twins said they were not sure whether the country has fielded the best line-up for the crucial tie. With Pruchya having an injury prior to the match, the twins felt the line-up should have been changed on Wednesday, the last day for making changes.

 

Critical of authorities

“Actually we had other players who were in better form and physically ready. The decision has affected the team since every point counts. If we had lost the doubles, the situation could have been worse. Since nothing can be fixed at the eleventh hour, we have no choice but to fight,” Sonchat said.

Criticising the team’s preparations, the twins threw a volley at the authorities, alleging that they were informed about the line-up less than a week before the Davis Cup tie. The twins were confident that the line-up that had Pruchya and Kittipong would be fielded against Taiwan. However, they alleged that there was a late attempt to replace them with two younger players.

“We don’t mind if they want to choose younger players instead of us but it should be made clear at least one month before the Cup. We were not informed anything until last Tuesday. We have to make our tour plan and arrange hotel bookings and air plane tickets. This is what I wish the authorities concerned would take into consideration,” Sonchat said.