Thais crush Vietnam in singles to move within one point of victory
HOSTS THAILAND established a convincing 2-0 lead after winning both opening rubbers against Vietnam in the Davis Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group II second-round tie at the National Tennis Development Centre yesterday.
Thailand got off to a great start after Ly Nam Hoang threw in the towel before what looked to be certain defeat. The 19-year-old Vietnamese was 6-3 1-6 0-6 down when he retired with cramp in his right leg.
Next on court was Thai No 1 Pruchya Isarow, who rebounded from a dismal start to beat ailing Thiem Nguyen Hoang 5-7 6-2 6-4 6-2. “The first set was pretty tough as he put up a great fight, but there was only one break of serve. However, I knew I had to hang in there and wait for him to get tired,” said Kittipong, playing his first Davis Cup match in three years.
“I played him before in a Futures event last year. He didn’t like the hot weather and had to retire from that match too. I’m satisfied to have achieved my goal of winning the first point for my country.”
Pruchya had to battle dizziness in the first set to beat the inspired Hoang, the former junior Wimbledon champion. Hoang picked up left-thigh injury, which affected his play after the first set.
“It was too bad I lost the first set but I knew I could come back. I was feeling mentally and physically better after that [dizzy spell] and was confident I could win the match. I’m happy to win the point so that Sonchat and Sanchai can play with less pressure tomorrow,” said Pruchya who has won all three of his Davis Cup rubbers this year.
Thailand are now just one point away from victory, with twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana ready to oblige today. The doubles specialists will face Dac Tien Nguyen and Minh Tuan Pham at 10am.
“This is such a stylish start for our team,” said Thai skipper Vittaya Samrej. “I was a bit surprised, especially in the first rubber, as I thought it would be a close fight. But I have to give credit to both Kittipong and Pruchya for their hard work, which showed in today’s results.
” Vittaya is confident Thailand can seal the victory today. “I trust the ability of Sonchat and Sanchai, who have been through lots of best-of-five matches in their career. They should have no problem in closing the deal.”
One more point would see Thailand through to the final round in September against the winner between Philippines and Taiwan.
