Poisoned Puriwat suffers shock loss that
THAIS END FIRST DAY ALL SQUARE WITH SRI LANKA THAILAND suffered a shock yesterday as Sri Lanka held them 1-1 draw following the opening singles rubbers in the Davis Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group I tie at the Tennis Development Centre.
The hosts were expected to cruise to maximum points on the first day against the South Asian underdogs, but Thai No 1 Puriwat Chatpatcharoen, feeling the lingering effects of food poisoning, was upset by Harshana Godamanna 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-3 in two hours and 26 minutes.
Thai No 2 Pruchya Isarow helped the home team get back on track by beating Sharmal Dissanayake 6-2 6-3 6-3 in two hours.
Shrugging off the shock first-day scoreline, captain Paradorn Srichaphan was confident his doubles team of Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana would win today’s rubber against Godamanna and Dissanayake and help Thailand clinch the tie.
“The plan went awry today as Puriwat didn’t play the way we expected. It was his first appearance
for the national team so he’s not used to this situation yet. Also, he only got out of hospital two days ago after suffering a stomach problem, so that took a toll on him,” said the Thai skipper.
“However I’m convinced that Sonchat and Sanchai are going to win the doubles as they are far better team than Lankan duo is. Then, on Sunday, we expect Puriwat to redeem himself
by winning win the fourth rubber. But even if we have to go to a deciding rubber, Pruchya will finish off the job,” added the former world No 9.
World No 729 Puriwat spent Wednesday night in hospital but was back in training on Thursday before suffering a relapse yesterday morning.
“I had no energy after the training session in the morning. During the match, I was just trying to hit the ball back – I did all I could. I was so drained today. But I was assured that I was under no pressure at all,” said Puriwat, who is confident of recovering in time for his match tomorrow.
The off-colour Puriwat made a string of errors against the left-handed Godamanna, the best player Sri Lanka has ever boasted. But the experienced Pruchya, who has represented Thailand in the Cup since 2013, looked poised and in control throughout the match against the current Lankan No 1. The world 799th-ranked Thai was solid in his groundstrokes and relied on powerful serves to subdue his opponent.
“After we lost the first rubber, I knew I had to be mentally tough and more patient. My opponent likes flat balls, so I gave him spin to keep him off rhythm and moved him around the court. In the third set he slowed down, so I knew I had the match in hand. It was a relief to win the match and help Thailand finish the first day 1-1,” said the 20-year-old Pruchya.
Today’s doubles rubber sees Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana clash with Godamanna and
Dissanayake in a match televised live from 1pm on beIn Sports or True676.
