Danai, Kittipong relishing Open chance

Danai will now become the only player to play in all nine editions of the tournament. Currently making his comeback from shoulder surgery, Danai has won three Futures-level tournaments in 2011 and leapt 600 places in the rankings, to No 206. After resting his injured shoulder for a month, he hopes to enter the Thailand Open fresh and injury free.

 "The shoulder is picking up and I am trying to prepare for the Open. It's a home event and I always aim to bring the best out of myself," said Danai who is planning to hang up his racquet at the end of 2012.

Kittipong, ranked No 511 in the world, is currently in Gimchoen for the Davis Cup tie against South Korea in the Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group II. News of the wild card should boost the youngster as he prepares to take on Kim Youngjun on the opening day this morning.

 "On ranking alone, I wouldn't have been eligible for the main draw. I'm grateful for the chance," Kittipong said. "I'll be trying my best and hoping for good results."

 The Thailand Open will be headlined by British world No 4 Andy Murray, No 6 Robin Soderling of Sweden and Frenchmen Gael Monfils (No 7) and Gilles Simon - 2009 Thailand Open champion and world No 11. The tournament runs at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani from September 24 to October 2, with tickets from Bt300 available at Thaiticketmajor outlets and metroฌpolitan Thai Post offices. Call (02) 262 3838, or pay a visit to www.Thaiticketmajor.com or www.PttThailandOpen.org. Ticket buyers will go into a lucky draw for a return trip for two to attend the ATP World Tour Finals in London in November.

Elsewhere, in Gimchoen, Thai No 1 Peerakiat Siriluethaiwatana takes on rising star Lim Yongkyu in the opening rubber of the Davis Cup at 9am Bangkok time. Peerakiat, No 816, replaced Danai Udomchoke who withdrew with a shoulder injury. The battle between Kittipong and South Korean No 2 Kim, ranked 474, follows.

"I've played both the players before so I know their games. My plan is to be patient and try to mix up the pace," said Kittipong, who says the high altitude in Gimchoen is giving the Thai squad breathing difficulties.

"We have to adjust a bit to get used to the conditions. The court is also slow and the ball bounces high. But I can play on this kind of surface," Kittipong said.

Captain Thanakorn Srichaphan admitted that the absence of ace player Danai has put his team in a tough position.

"We have to fight harder without Danai," said the former Thai No 1.