Thailand eyeing return to world tennis elite
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Thailand have a great chance of returning to Davis Cup Group I thanks to the experienced line-up they are fielding against unfancied Pakistan in the final round of the Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group II tie, which starts this morning at the LTAT Nation
Propelled by the Kingdom’s ace Danai Udomchoke and doubles specialists Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana, the hosts enter the tie with an edge over the visiting side, which features 2010 US Open men’s doubles and mixed doubles finalist Aisam Qureshi as the only potent force.
For the first time this year, Thailand are represented by their A-list players after leaving the first- and second-round assignments to young guns, including No 2 Pruchya Isarow.
Since losing the relegation play-off to China 1-4 in 2009, Thailand have failed to regain a spot in Group I, losing Group II finals twice – to New Zealand (2010) and South Korea (2011).
Teenager Pruchya, 18, will face Qureshi, 16 years his senior, in today’s opening rubber, which can be seen live on Truesport 7. Pruchya is unbeaten in all of his four Davis Cup singles rubbers since making his debut in 2013.
“I’ve never played him before and I have no pressure playing the first rubber. I’ve studied his game and will go into the match with a plan. I have to win the match to put Pakistan under pressure,” said Pruchya, who is ranked No 726 in the world.
After the first rubber, Danai, No 293, should have no problem taking on 22-year-old Samir Iftikhar who has no world ranking. The Thai ace has a Davis Cup record of 40 wins to 17 losses.
“I’m hitting the ball well these days and am confident I can win two points from my two singles matches for Thailand,” said Danai who is using the event as his final warm-up before the Asian Games next week.
Captain Paradorn Srichaphan is confident his team will beat Pakistan to return to Group I.
“Pakistan have two new players and the rest are doubles specialists. Qureshi will try to take charge at the net but Pruchya has never lost in the Davis Cup. As for Danai, he has extensive experience and should have no problem taking care of his inexperienced rival. I’m confident we can finish off this tie by sewing up the doubles on Saturday,” said former world No 9 Paradorn.
Pakistan enjoy a 4-3 record from their seven previous meetings with Thailand and won 3-2 win in their previous meet on grass in Lahore in 2005.
