ASIA/OCEANIA ZONE GROUP 1 SECOND ROUND TIE

Youngsters lead Thai bid

Tor Chittinand

Thailand are hoping their young guns can pull off a surprise when they take on Japan in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1 second round today at Namihaya Dome in Osaka.

The Thai team are without their two stars Paradorn Srichaphan and Danai Udomchoke who are both injured and are relying on two young players to create an upset.

Opening the proceedings today will be 17-year-old Kittipong Wachiramanowong who will take on Japanese number one, Go Soeda in the first singles.

Weerapat Doakmaiklee will face Takao Suzuki in the second singles.

For tomorrow's doubles, twin brothers Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana will take on Japanese duo, Satoshi Iwabuchi and Takao Suzuki.

After yesterday's draw, non-playing captain Thanakorn Srichaphan said he knew Japan were strong favourites but his team would do their best.

"We know the Japanese players have higher rankings and will have home support, but I've told my players to go out there and enjoy it," he said.

Kittipong said he wasn't too nervous about playing in his first Davis Cup encounter.

"I'll just do my best. If I am on top of my game I have a chance."

Weerapat said he was looking forward to the match.

"I think it will be an exciting game against Suzuki."

The winning side will advance to a play-off for a place in the World Group next year.

Japan have five wins and two defeats against Thailand in the Davis Cup series since their first encounter in 1958.

PROGRAMME

Today's singles

First singles: Kittipong Wachiramanowong v Go Soeda

Second singles: Weerapat Doakmaiklee v Takao Suzuki

Tomorrow's doubles

Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana v Satoshi Iwabuchi and Takao Suzuki

Sunday's reverse singles

Third Singles: Kittipong Wachiramanowong v Takao Suzuki

Fourth Singles: Weerapat Doakmaiklee v Go Soeda.

Bangkok Post

Friday April 06, 2007