Thailand defies rain to lead Philippines 2-0
Host Thailand established a convincing 2-0 lead over the Philippines in the rain interrupted Davis Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Zone Qualifying Group II second round tie at the National Tennis Development Centre in Muang Thong Thani on Friday.
Thailand got off to a flying start after local ace Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul toppled junior rival Alberto Lim Junior 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-3 in the first rubber.
Then Thai No 2 Jirat Navasirisomboon benefitted from a rain break after losing the first set to turn the tide against 2015 SEA Games bronze medalist Jason Patrombon, wining the second rubber 2-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 6-1.
The Thai No 1 Wishaya despite showing some rusty play summoned his top form when it mattered to win the first set tie-break and rallied back from a break down to win the second set and dominated the rest of the match.
Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul
“I have to give credits to my opponent. His powerful forehand gave me some trouble. But I tried to stick to my game plan by being aggressive and took charge,” said the 702nd ranked Wishaya.
“But I wished I could have moved better. I felt a bit sluggish in my movement and couldn’t play the way I would have wanted to. For the Sunday’s singles (against Patrombon), I have to discuss about the game plan with my teamwork first.”
On Saturday, Thailand expects to win the doubles point from doubles experts Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana who will take on Lim and Patrombon.
